Shell has completed the sale of a 31.2% shareholding in Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K. to Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd. for a total amount of JPY159 billion (approximately US$1.4 billion). Completion follows anti-trust approval from the Japan Fair Trade Commission.

John Abbott, Shell Downstream Director, said: “Shell has enjoyed a long and valuable partnership with Showa Shell since the year 1900. I would like to thank CEO Tsuyoshi Kameoka, the management and the board of directors for their leadership and support, as well as those leaders who have preceded them over the last century. I wish the company success and look forward to seeing the commercial linkages and a new relationship between our two companies over the coming years.”

The sale supports Shell’s strategic commitment to focus downstream activity on areas where it can be most competitive.

Shell’s upstream, integrated gas, chemicals and trading businesses are not impacted by the sale. Japan remains an important LNG market for Shell.

About Royal Dutch Shell plc

Royal Dutch Shell plc is incorporated in England and Wales, has its headquarters in The Hague and is listed on the London, Amsterdam, and New York stock exchanges. Shell companies have operations in more than 70 countries and territories with businesses including oil and gas exploration and production; production and marketing of liquefied natural gas and gas to liquids; manufacturing, marketing and shipping of oil products and chemicals and renewable energy projects.