Toby Shek's questions to PETROCHINA CO (PCCYF) leadership • Q3 2022
Question
Toby Shek from Citibank asked about the reasons for the significant Q3 performance decline in the Refining & Chemicals (R&C) sector, the outlook for Q4, and sought confirmation on recent government actions regarding diesel export quotas.
Answer
An executive from the Finance Department explained that the R&C sector's Q3 profitability decline of RMB 10 billion was due to falling crude prices narrowing gasoline and diesel margins, lower domestic consumption from COVID-19, and losses in chemical operations. He expressed optimism for a Q4 recovery. Mr. Sun from the Production Operation Management Department confirmed PetroChina received an additional export quota of 4.95 million tons. He clarified that diesel exports are contingent on satisfying domestic demand first and that the company has sufficient supply and capacity to meet rising domestic needs by adjusting run rates and product mix.