Disappointing start in privatization of Naftobazy

Nafta Polska (NP), the organization which is in charge of the privatization and restructuring the oil sector, yesterday received four offers concerning the sale of a stake from 51% to a maximum of 65% in Naftobazy, the enterprise which specializes in the storage of liquid fuels. According to Puls Biznesu the four interested companies include German-owned Oiltanking, IVG and Unitank as well as Dutch Vopak. NP sent out offers to several dozen oil sector companies. The fact that only four responded appears disappointingly low. "Until the end of the year NP will announce the shortlist of investors who will be invited to carry out due diligence," said Naftobazy spokesman Krzysztof Mering. The company controls over 50% of the market for facilities to store liquid fuels. (Puls Biznesu, p. 8) A.K.