Hellenic
Petroleum, Greece’s largest oil refiner, said yesterday nine-month net
profit rose 3 percent, above market forecasts, boosted by foreign
exchange gains. Net profits came in at 226 million euros ($330.6
million), while sales fell 3 percent to 5.9 billion euros.
By contrast,
rival Motor Oil Hellas reported a drop in nine-month profits after
refining margins narrowed and sales from trading fell. Net income fell
to 119.2 million euros ($175 million) from 137.2 million euros a year
earlier.