The Rompetrol Group N.V. Opens its First Branded Petrol Station in France and Launches the Distribut

The Rompetrol Group N.V. (TRG) and its French subsidiary Dyneff follow their expansion strategy in France by opening the first petrol station under the Rompetrol brand on the French motorway network, at Arzens, near Carcassonne. This opening coincides with the introduction by TRG on the French market of biofuel, through both the Rompetrol and Dyneff distribution networks. The company plans to equip about 30 filling stations for superethanol E85 distribution by the end of 2007.

By developing superethanol distribution through its two brands on the French market, TRG is becoming a major player on the fast growing biofuel segment, building on Dyneff’s pioneering offer of  ecological fuels initiated as early as 1994. Dyneff’s historical interest in environmentally friendly alternatives is met by TRG’s commitment for the environment. The company makes investment decisions that promote the best available technologies, and continuously monitors and improves its activities to minimize environmental impact.

This double launch illustrates the dynamic development of Dyneff following its acquisition by The Rompetrol Group in 2006. The newly launched Rompetrol brand carries the values of the Group and its development: innovation, quality, security and engagement in favour of the environment. The company plans to open 10 new Rompetrol branded distribution stations in France by the end of 2007, most of them on motorways.

“On top of bringing the highest quality standards for products and services to French consumers, the continued development of Rompetrol and Dyneff on the French market will have a positive impact of the local labor market, offering new jobs and business opportunities,” said Dinu Patriciu, TRG Chairman.

Mr. Patriciu also used the opening of the first Rompetrol branded station to announce the appointment of Mr. Laurent Sancier, who will join TRG as the CEO of Dyneff Group, in both France and Spain, starting on May 21.  Mr. Sancier will have overall responsibility for the development of the company's growing business in these two countries. Previously Mr. Sancier worked for nearly 30 years at Shell, most recently as director of Shell France and as their Retail General Manager for France and Benelux. His earlier positions included work in Shell's downstream operations in the UK, France and Africa.

Laurent Sancier follows Karim Benabderrazik. “Karim Benabderrazik performed as interim CEO for the past 10 months while on secondment assignment to Dyneff Group, and I look forward to his continuing support, both as President of holding company Rompetrol France SAS and Managing Director of our subsidiary company Vector Energy AG in Switzerland” said M. Patriciu.

About TRG:
The Rompetrol Group N.V. is a top 25 multinational oil company within the European Union, by revenues. Headquartered in The Netherlands, TRG has the majority of its assets and operations based in France, Romania, Spain and South-East Europe. TRG represents a bridge between crude oil resources from the East and the markets of the West, ensuring a constant supply and meeting consumer demand for EU standard products. The group is active primarily in refining, trading and marketing/downstream, with additional operations in exploration and production, and other oil industry services. TRG has a staff of more than 8,000 employees in 13 countries. The Rompetrol Group aims to become one of the largest independent oil companies in Europe and contribute to European energy security by obtaining a strong position in the Black Sea and Mediterranean areas.