Shell targets 3,500 sites in China by 2025
Global energy giant Royal Dutch Shell plans to more than double its gas stations in China after authorities decide to lift restrictions on foreign investment.
Royal Dutch Shell PLC is planning to increase its fuelling network in China from today’s 1,300 sites to around 3,500 by 2025 with new regulations set to expand foreign ownership in the Asian giant.
"Shell is already the leading international oil retailer in China, running 1,300 sites via strategic joint ventures and two wholly owned companies, and we aspire to triple the size of our network by 2025," said John Abbott, downstream director, Royal Dutch Shell, according to China Daily.
Non-fuel retailing will be a key differentiating factor for Shell as China’s major national players already own most of the prime locations for the 110,000 sites in the country.
The move is a direct result of the Ministry of Commerce and the National Development and Reform Commission’s announcement, at the end of June, scrapping the 30-site limitation for foreign ownership in China.
Another global energy player, BP, has already indicated plans to operate 1,000 more locations in China, on top of the current 740 sites it already has, reported Caixin Global.
