Ljubljana, 7th March 2019 - At its 23rd meeting held on 7th March 2019, the Supervisory Board of Petrol d.d., Ljubljana discussed and approved the audited Petrol Group’s and Petrol d.d., Ljubljana’s Annual Report for 2018. In 2018 the Petrol Group performed very well, exceeding the set targets.

The Petrol Group is active in two very important and highly competitive sectors – energy and trade. Energy industry is characterised by rapid developments directed towards energy efficiency, new energy products and use of existing products in new ways. An important factor is the awareness of climate changes triggered partly by the use of fossil fuels. Global endeavours are directed towards reducing the risks of climate changes while searching for solutions to provide accessible and reliable energy supply. The production of electricity from renewable sources is, therefore, highly significant for ensuring a sustainable portfolio. Energy companies are strongly affected by both the global economic situation reflected in the prices of energy products, and the economic situation on their sales markets. Among important factors are also the measures introduced by individual states to regulate energy prices and markets. The Petrol Group’s efficient organisation and active risk management policy ensure that the Group responds appropriately to the situation in the industry. The situation in the trade sector also impacts its business operations, since a substantial share of revenues is generated from the sale of merchandise and services. Digitisation and “smart” solutions, new business models and changes in value chains dominate today’s world. The Petrol Group follows the trend of rapid developments in trade, particularly the development of digitisation of business operations resulting in changes in customers’ purchasing habits and sales channels. Through digital sales applications and the mBills digital wallet our customers can make their purchases easily and effortlessly.

In June 2018 the Petrol Group adopted its strategy for 2018 – 2022. The Petrol Group’s Strategy for 2018 – 2022 is a basic corporate document which outlines, presenting the Group’s mission, vision, values, goals and strategies, its business future. The Group’s good performance in 2018 marked the first step towards achieving the set goals.

In 2018 the Petrol Group generated sales revenues of EUR 5.4 billion, which represents an increase of 20% on 2017. Operating profit totalled EUR 119.4 million, up 6% from 2017. EBITDA amounted to EUR 171.5 million, up 7% from the previous year. Net profit was EUR 91.8 million, up 13% from 2017.

In 2018 the Petrol Group sold 3.5 million tonnes of oil products, 4% more than in 2017. At the end of 2018 the Petrol Group operated 500 service stations, of which 319 in Slovenia, 107 in Croatia, 40 in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 12 in Serbia, 11 in Montenegro and 11 in Kosovo. Revenues from sales of merchandise and related services amounted to EUR 477.5 million, and are lower by EUR 122.9 million due to the introduction of new MSRP 15 (IFRS) standards. Had this change not occurred, revenues from sales of merchandise in 2018 would have been higher by 10% compared to 2017. In 2018 the Petrol Group sold 19.9 TWh of natural gas, 157.6 thousand tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas, 20.3 TWh of electricity and 140.5 thousand MWh of heat.