Shell filling stations in Russia still operating, despite problems with imports of additives

MOSCOW. March 14 (Interfax) - Shell (SPB: RDS.A) Neft LLC, a Russian subsidiary of Anglo-Dutch oil major Shell, is continuing operations in Russia, despite problems with supply chains, Shell Neft CEO Sergei Starodubtsev was reported as saying by the company's press release.

The company told Interfax that this refers to difficulties with supplies of imported additives for the company's proprietary fuel.

"The key priority for Shell remains the safety of our employees and production processes, the preservation of jobs and compliance with the requirements of Russian legislation," Starodubtsev said.

The company is maintaining normal financing and operation of lubricants production, and the operation if its chain filling stations and meeting obligations to customers and suppliers in full, as well as paying wages to employees, Shell Neft said.

A further course of action is being worked out taking into account the suspension of current investment projects in light of Shell's decision regarding its work on the Russian market, the company said.

After the start of Russia's military operation in Ukraine, Shell announced only that it was pulling out of joint ventures with gas giant Gazprom and the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. However, after the purchase of a shipment of Russian oil at a huge discount on the spot market sparked criticism of the company, Shell announced that it would stop spot purchases of Russian crude and close its filling stations and jet fuel and lubricants production facilities in Russia, and that in future it would stop buying Russian gas and oil products.