“So far, there is no foreseeable trend for next year. As a precaution, we have made the budget based on indicators similar to those of 2008, although depending on what happens on the market, we would rapidly adjust with a rectification. The estimated turnover and profit are similar to 2008,” Toth told Business Standard.
The 2009 budget does not include price hikes for natural gas, but does involve a plan to lower costs and improve labor productivity. Layoffs are not considered, while salaries are to increase “slightly above the inflation target,” Toth added.
Romgaz is anticipating some voluntary departures, especially of retirees, and plans only to replace staff to ensure that the number of employees remains the same. “We must try to reorganize, as we have many new goals. We need extra personnel, but plan to maintain the same [employees] level. This means we will stop overall hiring,” he said. The company’s investment budget for 2009 amounts to some €277 mln.
