With reference to recent press reports, Essar Energy plc denies that it has any plans to close its Stanlow refinery.

The Stanlow refinery is well-positioned to supply UK fuel demand, given its advantageous location and following recent upgrading work to optimise product output. The refinery is supported by integration into extensive pipeline logistics and good road links to access local and regional markets.

Essar Energy and the entire transport fuel supply industry are working together with the UK Government to improve the resilience of UK refineries and importers.

Essar Energy has embarked on an estimated US$100 million cost improvement programme at Stanlow to ensure the business is able to weather this period of exceptionally poor refining margins.

This programme has the support of Essar Energy plc, management and our employees.

About Essar Energy

Essar Energy (LSE:ESSR) is a world class, low-cost, integrated energy company with an established track record.

Essar Energy, through its subsidiaries, owns one of India's largest private power producers with 3,910MW of installed capacity and projects under construction to expand its capacity to 6,700MW.

Essar Energy, through its subsidiaries, owns one of India's fastest growing private sector oil and gas companies with a diverse portfolio of exploration and production assets. The Vadinar refinery, located in Gujarat, is India's second largest private sector oil refinery with throughput capacity of 20 million metric tonnes per annum, or 405,000 barrels per day. The Stanlow refinery is the UK’s second largest refinery with throughput capacity of 296,000 barrels per day, or 14.6 million metric tonnes per annum.

About Essar

Essar is a multinational corporation with annual revenues of c.US$39 billion and investments in Steel, Energy, Infrastructure and Services. With operations in more than 25 countries, it employs over 73,000 people.

See thesite of Stanlow refinery