Hellenic Petroleum reported positive first quarter results, reflecting the benefits from the efficient operation of refineries, the acquisition of BP Hellas’ petrol station network in December 2009 and stricter control on spending.

The group said first quarter results included a provision for an extra tax charge of 20 million euros. Hellenic Petroleum said the volume of sales fell in Greece, as a result of an economic slowdown and lower sales of heating oil because of good weather conditions.

Comparable EBITDA totaled 93 million euros in the January-March period, down from 104 million euros last year. The Group said domestic sales rose in the first quarter, with EBITDA rising to 27 million euros from 20 million euros last year. International activities showed a 26 pct improvement in first quarter EBITDA to 8.0 million euros.

Its petrochemical business showed EBITDA of 8.0 million euros, despite a decline in the volume of sales, after losses of 1.0 million euros last year year.

Hellenic Petroleum said DEPA -the natural gas operator- contributed 14 million euros to Group profits.