Kuala Lumpur, November 21 - Esso Malaysia Berhad today announced the Company's third quarter results for the period ended September 30, 2007:

The Company recorded an after tax profit of RM15 million for the third quarter 2007, a RM46 million improvement over the loss of RM31 million recorded in the same quarter in 2006 reflecting stronger margins and inventory holding gains. This brings year-to-date profits to RM43 million compared to RM55 million in the same period in 2006. Revenues were RM2.5 billion for the quarter, and RM6.8 billion for the first nine months of 2007.

Operating performance for the nine months of the year remained robust, and we continued to grow local market sales. Competition in the retail sector remained intense and refining margins continued to be affected by the high cost of crude feedstock.

The country's favourable economic outlook will continue to fuel strong demand for petroleum products. Nevertheless, recognising that volatility in crude price and intense competition will continue to pose challenges to the business, the Company will maintain its focus on operational efficiency, cost containment and growing its profitable businesses.