HELLENIC PETROLEUM announces that, following the singing of the Share Purchase Agreement for the sale of 66% of DESFA share capital (35% HELLENIC PETROLEUM – 31% HELLENIC REPUBLIC ASSET DEVELOPMENT FUND) to SOCAR, for €400 million, on 21 December 2013 and in the context of necessary regulatory approvals and permits, required for the completion of the transaction, the Greek Regulation Authority of Energy (RAE) has issued a draft decision for the certification of DESFA as independent operator for gas transportation and proceeded with the notification of its decision to the competent DG Energy of the EU Commission, according to the provisions of Greek and EU laws. This development is the first step towards the obtaining the required regulatory approvals and permits for the completion of the above transaction.