Bio-fuels laws may cost PKN Orlen over zl. 40 million

PKN Orlen will have to spend at least zl. 40 million to adjust to new bio-fuels regulations should the Sejm give its consent to the new Bio-fuels Bill, scheduled to take effect from July 1, 2003, and says further cost increases up to zl. 110 million- zl. 120 million are highly likely. The zl. 40 million will be used to finance the first phase of adjustment that would involve installation of specialized gasoline production equipment and the construction of tanks to store fuel reserves. "We strongly support the eco-components, but have to remember that they should be of perfect quality, which is not easy," said a company insider. In order to meet harsh quality requirements, PKN Orlen has begun investing in production of esters and is now carrying out an zl. 80 million project for the construction of an ester processing installation in Orlen subsidiary Rafineria Trzebinia, claiming that further investments are on their way. (Puls Biznesu, p. 10) J.K.