Andreas Shiamishis

Helleniq Energy is 12 to 18 months away from deciding whether to go ahead with drilling in the Ionian Sea and off the coast of the western Peloponnese, the CEO of the Greek petroleum firm told the Delphi Economic Forum on Thursday, adding that while the shift to greener forms of energy will happen, a "realistic plan" is needed in the meantime.

Helleniq Energy would consider either acquiring full control of the country's biggest gas supplier DEPA Commercial or fully disinvest from the company, its top manager said.

Despite the adverse environment for refining, Hellenic Petroleum (ELPE) on Thursday reported positive financial results for the last quarter of 2019.

Hellenic Petroleum (ELPE) chief executive Andreas Shiamishis told Kathimerini in an interview that "the transition of the market to the new energy model is now certain and any companies that don't acknowledge that and don't include it in their plans will sooner or later face problems."

Greece's biggest oil refiner Hellenic Petroleum expects stronger financial results in the third quarter thanks to higher refining margins, it said on Thursday.

Hellenic, which runs three refineries and exports more than half its output, reported an 18 percent drop in second-quarter core profit.

Greece’s biggest oil refiner Hellenic Petroleum said on Monday its third-quarter core profit almost doubled year-on-year, helped by improved refining margins and production.

Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), which strips out inventory losses, rose to 146 million euros from 74 million euros in the same period last year.