OREANDA-NEWS. December 10, 2010. Sudden temperature drop has increased the local demand for winter fuels.  In November, sales of arctic diesel fuel manufactured by ORLEN Lietuva were 63 percent higher compared to the same period last year.  Fuel producers say that each year they observe an increasing number of drivers enjoying the benefits of fuels specifically manufactured for the winter conditions, reported the press-centre of ORLEN Lietuva.

According to Saulius Zilenas, Commercial Director of ORLEN Lietuva retail network company Ventus-Nafta, arctic fuels are appreciated for their exceptional quality and better engine work during the winter season.  This grade of diesel does not freeze even at temperatures below minus 30 degrees.     As per information of ORLEN Lietuva retail network, the demand for VERVA D diesel with additives was almost twice higher on the coldest days of the year.  

 “In summer drivers usually prefer base motor fuels but in winter they tend to take better care of their cars.  A growing demand for winter fuels upon the weather turning cold over last two years demonstrates that in the winter time more and more drivers opt for higher quality and more reliable motor fuels with additives.  

Last winter, ORLEN Lietuva retail network recorded a nearly 30 % growth in the total sales of VERVA D diesel fuel when compared to the same period in the preceding year.  During the compared period, volumes of base arctic diesel fuel produced at the refinery of Public Company ORLEN Lietuva and sold to the Lithuanian market was by almost a third higher as well.

This winter season, the refinery is planning to raise its arctic diesel production by more than 470 000 tons which is 15% higher compared to the last year output.

“Over the past several days we have witnessed a growing demand for this grade of diesel fuel due to cold weather – approximately 76 000 tons of arctic diesel fuel were manufactured in November when compared to 28 000 tons over the same month in 2009. We have plans to produce up to 90 000 tons of this product in December”, explained Viktoras Vasilavicius, Director of Production of AB ORLEN Lietuva.

AB ORLEN Lietuva supplies its arctic diesel fuel to all fuel retail companies in Lithuania as well as some companies in Latvia, Estonia, Poland and Ukraine.  Lithuanian legislation requires the filling stations to trade arctic diesel fuel from the beginning of December until the end of February.