Russian Lukoil goes on the offensive in Poland

"Initially we intend to take over gas stations purchased from the Americans. Afterwards we will construct our own outlets.By 2008 the number of gas stations will top about 100, while within a few years - 300," said Wladimir Zander, deputy managing director of Lukoil Polska. The Russian company is also purchasing gas stations from other companies operating on the market and in December they purchased four outlets from BP and another one in February also from BP. Experts believe that mutual prejudices might be a disadvantage of the company, but on the other hand they will offer lower prices. "By acquiring Jet the company entered a cheaper segment and certainly they will develop an aggressive price policy," said Andrzej Szczesniak, fuel market expert. (Puls Biznesu, pp. 1, 6) M.M.