EBITDA increased by 16 per cent to RM20.6 billion from RM17.8 billion in the corresponding quarter last year.

The Group’s cash flows from operations also grew by 37 per cent to RM21.8 billion from RM15.9 billion in the corresponding quarter last year due to higher average realised prices.

Outlook

Despite higher prices compared to a year ago, the industry remains volatile tempering the company’s optimism. PETRONAS continues to focus on internal transformation initiatives, effective cash management and cost optimisation.

The Board expects the overall year-end performance of PETRONAS Group to be fair.

Datuk Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin, President and Group CEO PETRONAS

“We have closed out the first half of the year with stronger financials compared to the same period in 2016. While the price of oil was a significant factor, I also view this as tangible results of PETRONAS’ transformation measures taken in response to the industry downturn. And I attribute this to the employees of PETRONAS. They continue to drive impactful changes, which create ripple effects that, as you can see, have positively improved the bottom-line.”