Shell group plans expansion of local operations

Royal Dutch Shell Plc., an oil, gas and petroleum company with worldwide operations, is planning to expand its downstream oil refinery business in the Philippines, Malacañang announced yesterday.

Royal Dutch Shell Plc. executive director Rob Routs bared his company’s expansion plans during his meeting with President Arroyo at Malacañang.

In a statement, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said the discussion between the President and the visiting Royal Dutch official centered on "potential investments in the company’s downstream oil for refinery projects."

Lotilla did not mention any amount of the firm’s new investments.

Shell Philippines, a subsidiary of the Netherlands-based oil firm, is one of the "Big Three" oil players operating in the country.

Shell Philippines is also leading in undertaking the Malampaya deep water gas-to-power project off Palawan.

The energy project has a broad portfolio of hydrogen, biofuels, wind and solar power interests.

Lotilla said the "favorable investment climate in the country made Shell decide to expand its operations here."

Routs, who is in the country for the first time, also presented to the President a book on Shell’s history in the Philippines.