Shell closing filling stations in Russia, loyalty program ends May 20, cafes and convenience stores still working

MOSCOW. May 16 (Interfax) - Shell (SPB: RDS.A) plc, which has announced that it will be gradually moving away from all Russian hydrocarbons and that it has concluded a deal with Lukoil to sale its sales and distribution assets in the country, has begun closing its filling stations in Russia, Interfax correspondents report.

Announcements have been put up at filling stations notifying customers that the pumps will be temporarily shut off from May 15 and the Shell ClubSmart loyalty program will stop working on May 20, 2022. Shell Clubstart members were able to earn points through May 13 and will be able to use them until May 20. "It will no longer be possible to spend points after May 20," the announcement says.

Shell has confirmed to Interfax that "stations included in the parameters of the deal with Lukoil have fully stopped selling fuel, but convenience stores and cafes are continuing to work for the moment." Lukoil has not commented on the matter.

Lukoil and Shell said on May 12 that they had signed an agreement according to which Lukoil will buy 100% of Shell Neft LLC. Shell Neft's assets include 411 filling stations located predominantly in Russia's Central and Northwestern federal districts and a lubricants blending plant in the Tver region. The sale will be completed after it is approved by the Federal Antimonopoly Service.