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Russia’s Shell Game: Sakhalin LNG Stake Swapped Like Trading Cards, This Time Gazprom Wins

Posted by John Donovan: 27 March 2024

Well, well, well, folks, gather ’round for another chapter in the thrilling saga of Shell’s misadventures in the land of oil and oligarchs. In this latest installment, the Russian government has decided to play a game of hot potato with Shell’s minority stake in the Sakhalin LNG project, ultimately passing it off to their favorite playmate, state-controlled behemoth Gazprom, for a cool $1 billion.

Now, let’s rewind a bit, shall we? Shell, ever the enterprising multinational, originally held the reins in this project until they found themselves caught up in a web of intrigue involving insider info, espionage, and more drama than a daytime soap opera. And who’s behind this plot twist, you ask? None other than yours truly, providing juicy tidbits to the Russian government back in the day, leading to Shell setting up their very own spy network. Ah, the things we do for love—err, I mean, gas. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Shell and Unilever: Partners in Profit, Supporters of Bloodshed

Posted by John Donovan July 5, 2023

In a stunning display of corporate callousness, Shell and Unilever have come under fire for their continued operations in Russia, even after the country’s invasion of Ukraine. These greedy giants seem to prioritize profits over principles, turning a blind eye to the blood money they accumulate.

Despite Shell’s pledge to withdraw from the Russian energy market, the company has shamelessly continued to trade Russian gas, making a mockery of its supposed commitment. Analysis from the campaign group Global Witness reveals that Shell was involved in nearly an eighth of Russia’s shipborne gas exports in 2022. Oleg Ustenko, an adviser to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, rightly accuses Shell of accepting “blood money” that directly supports Russia’s brutal aggression against Ukraine. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Breaking up with Russia is hard for many Western firms, despite war

The Washington Post

Breaking up with Russia is hard for many Western firms, despite war

By : April 15, 2023 at 7:21 a.m. EDT RIGA, Latvia — Only a small percentage of the hundreds of companies that promised to leave Russia after its invasion of Ukraine have exited, according to several groups keeping a scorecard — and for those that dawdled, departing has only become more expensive and complicated.

But leaving can be complex. Four days after the invasion, Shell announced it was leaving Russia and later wrote off its nearly 27.5 percent stake in the Sakhalin-2 LNG facility in the Far East at $1.6 billion. This month, an unconfirmed Russian newspaper report suddenly surfaced that Putin had given permission for the company to repatriate $1.2 billion from the sale of its stake in Russia’s Novatek. Shell had no comment. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Russia’s Novatek to acquire Shell’s stake in Sakhalin-2 for $1.16 bln

REUTERS

Russia’s Novatek to acquire Shell’s stake in Sakhalin-2 for $1.16 bln

MOSCOW, April 12 (Reuters) – Russia’s government has approved the sale of Shell’s (SHEL.L) former 27.5% stake in the Sakhalin-2 energy project to Russian energy firm Novatek (NVTK.MM) for 94.8 billion roubles ($1.16 billion), a government order showed on Wednesday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin gave his consent for the transfer of the required funds to Shell, Russian daily Kommersant reported last week. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Ruble Tumbles to 12-Month Low as Kremlin Greenlights Shell Sale

Ruble Tumbles to 12-Month Low as Kremlin Greenlights Shell Sale

The Moscow Times: Friday 7 April 2023

After months of relative stability, the Russian ruble continued to weaken rapidly against major currencies on Friday, a trend that analysts say has been spurred by increased imports and a surge in foreign capital outflows.

President Vladimir Putin’s recent approval of a deal that permits British energy giant Shell to offload its stake in the Sakhalin-2 oil pipeline project in Russia’s Far East has added to the mix of forces pulling down on the ruble. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Putin Approves $1.2 Billion Payment To Shell For Sakhalin-2 Exit

OILPRICE.COM

Putin Approves $1.2 Billion Payment To Shell For Sakhalin-2 Exit

Vladimir Putin has approved a request by Novatek to allow Shell to receive $1.2 billion (94.8 billion rubles) from the Russian gas producer for its 27.5% stake in the Sakhalin-2 LNG project, Russian daily Kommersant reported on Tuesday, quoting sources with knowledge of the matter.

Last year, a decree from Putin stipulated that a newly set up state Russian company would take over the rights and obligations of Sakhalin Energy Investment Co., the joint venture running the Sakhalin-2 oil and gas project. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Shell Walks Away From Major Russian LNG Project With Nothing

Bloomberg

Shell Walks Away From Major Russian LNG Project With Nothing

By Will Mathis: 1 September 2022 at 17:30 BST

Shell Plc will walk away from Russia’s Sakhalin-2 liquefied natural gas project with nothing after President Vladimir Putin transferred the major facility to a new operating company.

The London-based firm’s decision is the latest indication that Putin won’t allow international energy companies to realize big financial gains as they exit Russia over the invasion of Ukraine.

Shell had already written off the $1.6 billion value of its 27.5% stake in Sakhalin-2 earlier this year. T read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Energy crisis HELL: Shell CEO issues dire warning as Europe facing ‘really tough’ winter

Express

Energy crisis HELL: Shell CEO issues dire warning as Europe facing ‘really tough’ winter

RUSSIA’S threat to cut off energy supplies to Europe will lead to a winter of hell for the continent and the UK, as Shell warns of possible energy rationing.

By ANTONY ASHKENAZ

The EU and UK may be forced to ration their energy supplies this winter, as fears grow that Russia could cut more countries off its gas imports. Over the past few months, European nations have scrambled to buy as much natural gas as they can to fill up their winter storage, with the European Commission mandating storage reach at least 80 percent by November 1. As a result of this spike in demand, natural gas costs have skyrocketed, pushing up prices for consumers and businesses.

Speaking at the Aurora Spring Conference in Oxford, Shell CEO Ben van Beurden said: “It will be a really tough winter in Europe. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Europe could face energy rationing as ‘really tough winter’ looms, Shell boss warns

The Guardian

Europe could face energy rationing as ‘really tough winter’ looms, Shell boss warns

Mark Sweney and Alex Lawson: Thu 14 Jul 2022 13.04 BST

European consumers could face the prospect of energy rationing this winter as costs continue to soar amid the risk of Russia cutting off gas supplies, Shell’s chief executive has said.

“It will be a really tough winter in Europe,” said Ben van Beurden… “We will all face very significant escalation in energy prices. In the worst case, Europe will need to ration its energy consumption.” read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Shell may have to write off investment of more than £3bn in major Russian gas project after Vladimir Putin moves to seize control of site

This is MONEY

Shell may have to write off investment of more than £3bn in major Russian gas project after Vladimir Putin moves to seize control of site

Shell may have to write off an investment of more than £3billion in a major Russian gas project after Vladimir Putin moved to seize control of the site.

The Kremlin has drawn up plans to transfer ownership of the Sakhalin-2 plant, located in the far east of the country, to a new Russian firm citing national and economic security interests.

Putin has given the project’s backers a month to decide whether they will take a holding in the new company, meaning those that refuse could lose all their money. Shell owns nearly 28 per cent of the Sakhalin-2 plant worth around £3.4billion. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Putin Swoop on Gas Plant Risks Forcing Foreign Partners Out

yahoo!finance

Putin Swoop on Gas Plant Risks Forcing Foreign Partners Out

(Bloomberg) — President Vladimir Putin signed a decree to transfer rights to the Sakhalin-2 natural gas project to a new Russian company, a move that could force foreign owners including Shell Plc to abandon their investment in the facility.

The decree cites threats to Russia’s national interests and economic security, according to a statement dated June 30, issued by the Kremlin and signed by Putin. Stakeholders have one month to say whether they’ll take a holding in the new company, and those who opt out may not be fully compensated, the statement said.

The move could prove complicated for Shell, which holds a 27.5% stake in the liquefied natural gas facility in Russia’s far east. The energy giant announced it would exit the project after Russia invaded Ukraine, and also said it wouldn’t commit to any new investments in the country.

Chief Executive Officer Ben van Beurden said earlier this week that Shell is making progress selling its stake, which Wood Mackenzie estimates is worth $4.1 billion. China’s key state-run energy companies are in talks with Shell to buy its stake in the project, people familiar with the details said in April.

Shell is aware of the decree and is assessing its implications, the company said in a statement.

The world is already grappling with surging fuel prices as Putin steps up the use of gas as a weapon, and any effort by Moscow to take over energy assets could rile markets further. Most western energy firms are trying leave Russian projects, but are struggling to find willing buyers. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Kremlin orders seizure of gas facility which Shell has 27 per cent stake in worth £3.4bn

CITYA.M.

Kremlin orders seizure of gas facility which Shell has 27 per cent stake in worth £3.4bn

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has ordered the seizure of a gas facility in the county which UK firm Shell has a 27 per cent stake in.

The Kremlin signed a decree to take control of rights of the Sakhalin-2 plant, which will be transferred into Russian hands.

This comes as Moscow continues to come under severe economic pressure with sanctions, while countries including the UK, Germany and other EU states have been urged to stop buying fuel from Russia, amid its war against Ukraine. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Putin moves to seize a large gas venture in Russia’s Far East.

THE NEW YORK TIMES

Putin moves to seize a large gas venture in Russia’s Far East.

Shell and two Japanese companies, Mitsui and Mitsubishi, are minority shareholders in the Sakhalin-2 joint venture.

: July 1, 2022, 8:05 a.m. ET

Russia is moving to take over an important natural gas joint venture, putting the investments of Shell and two Japanese trading companies, Mitsui and Mitsubishi, at risk.

A decree issued by President Vladimir V. Putin on Thursday said the project, called Sakhalin-2, which is on Sakhalin Island in Russia’s Far East and is a key exporter of fuel to Japan, would be taken over by a new company. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Europe lurches closer to energy crisis as Kremlin cuts off gas supply to Shell

The Telegraph

Europe lurches closer to energy crisis as Kremlin cuts off gas supply to Shell

British company loses access to Russian fuel following refusal to pay in roubles

Europe lurched closer to an energy crisis on Tuesday after the Kremlin cut off gas supplies to major buyers including Shell.

Russia’s state-owned gas supplier, Gazprom, said supplies to Shell in Germany as well as to Ørsted in Denmark will be cut off on Wednesday after they refused to bow to Putin’s demands to pay in roubles. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Shell refuses to set up Gazprom account as it continues Russian withdrawal

CITYA.M.

Shell refuses to set up Gazprom account as it continues Russian withdrawal

:

Energy giant Shell has confirmed it will not set up a rouble account, under new terms demanded by Kremlin-backed giant Gazprom.

This means it will no longer be contracting Russian gas to fulfil its contracts to European households, including its customers in Germany.

A Shell spokesperson told City A.M.: “Shell has not agreed to new payment terms set out by Gazprom, including the creation of K accounts. We will work to continue supplying our customers in Europe through our diverse portfolio of gas supply. Shell continues to work on a phased withdrawal from Russian hydrocarbons, in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.” read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Shell’s Russia Exit Includes Plans To Sell Fuel Stations

OILPRICE.COM

Shell’s Russia Exit Includes Plans To Sell Fuel Stations

Shell Plc is reportedly in discussions over the sale of Shell Neft, its chain of retail fuel stations in Russia, as part of its exit plan in the aftermath of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, Bloomberg reported on Friday. 

“We can confirm the ongoing negotiations on the sale of Shell Neft, which owns a retail network and lubricants plant which is located in Torzhok,” Bloomberg cited Shell’s press office as saying in a statement. “Our key priority is safety of our people and operations, maintaining employment and compliance with the Russian legislation.”

Shell Neft owns both a 370-strong retail network of fuel stations and a transport and logistics complex with oil facilities in Russia. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.