Naftobazy stake soon to take its turn on the auction block

"Rotch Energy and PKN Orlen have confirmed the terms of the purchase of a 75% stake in the Gdansk Refinery (RG)," said Maciej Gierej, president of Nafta Polska (NP), the body responsible for the privatization of the oil sector. NP is currently analyzing the offers filed by the two parties. "We think we should also participate in the privatization of Naftobazy since we are its largest customer," commented PKN Orlen president Zbigniew Wrnbel. NP, which intends to sell a 51% to 65% stake in Naftobazy has already sent memoranda to several companies. The term for filing the bids expires on December 3. According to Gierej, RG and PKN Orlen are likely to submit to the Treasury Ministry their proposal concerning the state's takeover of Naftoport. Currently, PKN Orlen, RG and Oil Exploitation Company "Przyjazn" (PERN) are Naftoport's largest shareholders. Wrnbel also announced that PKN Orlen maintains its interest in the Czech fuels market as well as engaging in the privatization of this market. "We are particularly interested in Czeska Rafinerska," said Wrnbel. (Rzeczpospolita, p. B2) A.Z.