Shell’s downstream business to focus on India, China

Royal Dutch Shell P.L.C. announced that it would review its downstream businesses in New Zealand, as part of a global business strategy to focus on more profitable markets such as India and China. “We can’t predict what the outcome will be, but obviously divestment of some or all or none of our downstream assets could be the recommendation,” Jackie Maitland, Shell New Zealand spokeswoman, said. Shell’s downstream assets include a 17% stake in New Zealand Refining Co., as well as more than 200 petrol stations and aviation, bitumen, commercial fuels, chemicals and marine businesses. It also owns a stake in a construction company, Fulton and Hogan, as well as in a loyalty program coalition called Loyalty New Zealand Ltd. (February 13, 2009)