Thu Feb 2, 2012 9:13am EST
* Shell says global refining surplus of 6 million barrels
* Predicts more refinery closures in Europe
* Shell made Q4 loss from oil refining and marketing
By Alex Lawler
LONDON, Feb 2 (Reuters) – Royal Dutch Shell said on Thursday the global oil refining industry is facing about 6 million barrels per day (bpd) of surplus capacity, and predicted more plants would close in Europe.
Refining crude oil into fuels such as gasoline and diesel, traditionally the second-largest business for global oil firms such as Shell and rivals like BP Plc, has come under pressure from weak profit margins.