Orlen begins to regain its former glory in retail sales

Orlen had been losing its share in fuel retail sales for several years. Its share amounted to 35.4% in 2003 but dropped to 27% at the end of 2005. According to estimates, the Polish fuel market is worth around zl.60 billion a year, which means that a loss of 1% of sales translates into a zl.600 million decrease in revenues. Therefore, Orlen decided it would try to regain a 30% share in the market by 2009 but now it looks like this goal may be achieved even faster. "We have reversed our falling sales tendency.After Q1 2006 retail fuel sales increased by 6% yoy. We hope this trend will continue in H2. If so, then we will regain a 30% share of the market earlier than planned," revealed William Kozik, Orlen's executive director for sales.(Puls Biznesu, pp. 1, 4-5) E.B.