Petrom launches "PetromV"

• A new customer driven concept of filling stations
• VIVA shops and restaurants at all PetromV stations
• 250 PetromV filling stations to be opened until 2010

Petrom, the largest oil and gas producer of South Eastern Europe, launches its new filling station concept – PetromV. The first PetromV station is to be officially opened today. It is located in Bucharest, in a fast developing area, on Iuliu Maniu Boulevard no. 396-400. Until 2010 around 250 stations will be opened in the whole of Romania. “PetromV is just a first step in the development path of Petrom towards international quality standards and customer driven operations. We are committed to supply Romania with quality fuels and offering ever better services to our Romanian customers. We are proud of our traditional heritage of being the Romanian oil company, and at the same time we want to achieve the market leader position in Romania by being attuned to ever developing customer needs”, said Mr. Tamas Mayer, Member of Petrom’s Managing Committee, responsible for Marketing.

PetromV offers modern design and features, and sets new standards in the area of complementary services and convenience: VIVA shops are part of every PetromV station, as well as restaurants and leisure-areas such as playgrounds. PetromV is designed to combine the strengths of a traditional brand – Petrom – with international quality standards. The new PetromV filling station concept also adheres to new standards in quality, safety, reliability and convenience. To support these standards, Petrom has high qualified, well trained employees serving in the various area of the new station. The stations will offer full service, such as the filling of car tanks, checking wheel pressure and cleaning car windows.

The VIVA shop and restaurant are a success warranty. VIVA shops offer a large selection of top brands and appreciated products including fresh food in a modern and pleasant atmosphere. In the VIVA restaurant customers will be served cold and hot food, sandwiches, pastry products or sweets, along with a wide selection of coffees and other beverages.

The children playground is a true first in a Petrom station as is the possibility to make payments with cards.

The opening of 250 Petrom V filling stations until 2010, Petrom has committed a consistent investment program in the marketing area and is looking at developing the operations and staff in order to offer high-quality services in a modern environment. In the second part of 2005 around 20 filling stations will operate following the new concept. Until 2010, Petrom will invest around EUR 500 mn into its marketing activities.

Background Information
Petrom SA
Petrom is the largest Romanian oil and gas group, with activities in the business segments of Exploration and Production, Refining and Petrochemicals, as well as Sales and Marketing. Petrom has estimated oil and gas reserves of 1 billion boe, refining capacity of 8 million metric tons and 600 filling stations. In 2004 the sales revenue of Petrom was EUR 2,143 million, EBITDA was EUR 28 million. Since December 2004 OMV, the leading oil and gas group in Central Europe holds a 51% share in Petrom. OMV is active in Refining and Marketing, Exploration and Production, Gas as well as Chemicals in 28 countries on five continents. The Romanian state holds 40.74% of Petrom shares, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, 2.03% and 6.23% are owned by minority shareholders.