Petrom, Lukoil, Rompetrol, MOL Romania and OMV Romania could open their first petrol stations on Autostrada Soarelui (Sun Highway) as late as 2008, almost four years after the opening of the Bucharest-Fundulea section of the motorway that leads to Constanta.

At present, on the 152 kilometres stretch of motorway, there are no service areas, with the exception of a few car parks. "We are clearly interested in this route, but, until the authorities make a decision, our moves are restricted to almost nothing," says Dan Rosu, CEO of Rompetrol Downstream, the retail division of the petroleum group Rompetrol.

According to the latest statements made by CNADR officials, it will not be until 2008 that the first service areas will be completed and the first petrol stations on the stretch of the Bucharest-Constanta motorway will open. The land for the constructions will be leased over a minimum 49-year period.

"So far, the National Company for Romanian Highways and National Roads (CNADR) has received propositions from Petrom and Lukoil, which have both expressed their intentions of leasing service areas on the A2 motorway between Bucharest and Constanta. The two companies have been informed of the necessary bidding documentation required in order for the lease contract to be granted," say CNADR representatives.

Apart from the two companies mentioned by CNADR, OMV Romania, MOL Romania and Rompetrol are also interested in setting up a filling station on this route.

"It all depends on when CNADR establishes the leasing terms. And yes, we are interested in taking steps in this direction," say representatives of OMV Romania, the petroleum products distribution network, which entered Petrom's portfolio. OMV already has a petrol station on the Bucharest-Pitesti highway, with the first filling station on this route opened by Petrom.

MOL Romania