Shell to sell downstream businesses in Italy

The energy giant Royal Dutch Shell announced Monday that it is considering the sale of its retail, aviation, and supply and distribution downstream businesses in Italy. Shell's non-service station lubricants and marine businesses are not part of this, said Shell in a press release. This announcement also has no impact on the upstream and gas and power businesses in Italy, it stressed. The statement noted that the potential sale is consistent with Shell's strategy to concentrate its global downstream businesses where it can be most competitive. Recent examples include the sale of refineries in the UK and Germany and downstream businesses in Finland and Sweden as well as the establishment of joint ventures in Brazil and across Africa. Italy remains an important country for Shell, it added.