Potential short-term and long-term risks

The oil market has been and is expected to continue to be very volatile. Oil refiners are exposed to a variety of political and economic trends and events, as well as natural phenomena that affect the short- and long-term supply of and demand for the products that they produce and sell. 

Uncertainty continues to be focused on the development of the world economy, which is likely to have a material impact on the demand for petroleum products generally and diesel fuel in particular.

Sudden and unplanned outages at Neste Oil's production units or facilities continue to represent a short-term operational risk.

Rapid and large changes in feedstock and product prices may lead to significant inventory gains or losses, or changes in working capital, and may have a material impact on the company’s IFRS operating profit and net cash from operations.

The implementation of biofuel legislation in the EU and other key market areas may influence the speed at which the demand for these fuels develops. Risks also include any problems or delays in capturing the anticipated benefits from the company’s renewable diesel investments. Over the longer term, failure to protect Neste Oil’s proprietary technology or the introduction and implementation of competing fuel technologies or hybrid and electric engines may have a negative impact on the company’s results. 

Over the longer term, access to funding and rising capital costs, as well as challenges in procuring and developing new competitive and reasonably priced raw materials, may impact the company's results. 

The key market drivers for Neste Oil’s financial performance are refining margins, the price differential between Russian Export Blend (REB) and Brent crude, the USD/EUR exchange rate, and the price differentials between different vegetable oils. 

For more detailed information on Neste Oil's risks and risk management, please refer to the company's Annual Report and Financial Statements.