Minister warns do not expect early sale of Orlen or Lotos

Deputy Treasury Minister Paweł Szałamacha also told Parkiet yesterday that the merger of the two oil sector companies is rather unlikely in the coming few years. "The merger of PKN Orlen with Grupa Lotos remains an open issue. No decisions however will be taken earlier than two years from now," said the Minister. He added that first the government has to present an energy security program, as well as an amended program of restructuring the oil sector. Both documents are currently being prepared by the relevant ministries. The Deputy Treasury Minsiter also said that in H1 2006 the state plans to sell a 30% stake in Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa and 80% of shares in Fabryka Sklejka-Pisz. It was not revealed whether in 2006 there will be a public offering of shares in the already stock listed Puławy and Police chemical plants. (Parkiet, p. 1) A.K.