ESSAR Energy reported good progress across all its operations in a third quarter interim management statement today.

The India-focused energy group which acquired the former Shell refinery at Stanlow in August for £700m operates oil refineries and power plants through India.

It reported high availability in its power plants during the period to September 30 and a 13% increase in the cost per barrel at its Vadinar refinery inGujarat.

It also announced a 100-day integration plan for Stanlow is going well.

Among the first moves in a bid to increase margins is the introduction of five extra crude oils being refined at the Ellesmere Port site.

Talks are also taking place with the National Grid to introduce natural gas to fuel boilers at the plant, instead of fuel oil, which the company said will offer environmental, as well as margin, benefits.

The company said the operations of Stanlow “have been in line with expectations”, in today’s statement.

Essar took control of Stanlow in August and plans to invest more than £250m in the site which employs about 960 staff.

Stanlow is the second biggest refinery in the UK and is increasing capacity with plans to produce more diesel and aviation fuel.