Grupa Lotos declares it has no mid-term interest in budget petrol stations

"We are not obliged to follow the others. We have numerous more important tasks related to the integration of our network and modernization. We believe that the stations we own are a safe distribution channel and we do not have to invest in a new brand in order to increase sales and post a good profit," stated Grupa Lotos deputy president Wojciech Kowalczyk. The company plans to increase the number of its own stations from 80 to 150 by the end of next year mainly through the integration of 39 Esso and 12 Slovneft stations that the company acquired. In addition, the number of so-called partner stations is to increase to from 43 to 128. Lotos also informed that it has already invested zł.490 million out of zł.650 million planned to be spent by 2006. The remaining funds are to be allocated to the integration of its diverse network, introduction of a loyalty programme and extending sales of liquid gas. (Puls Biznesu, p. 12)EB