Royal Dutch Shell Group is an Integrated oil company. The Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies consists of the upstream businesses of Exploration & Production and Gas & Power and the downstream businesses of Oil Products and Chemicals. It also has interests in other industry segments such as Renewables and Hydrogen.

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Oil Tax Bill Fails US Senate Test Vote
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Today : Wednesday 18 May 2011


A bill that would have ended oil and gas tax breaks for five major oil companies failed a test vote in the Senate Tuesday, faced with opposition from most Republicans and three Democrats.

The Senate, voting 52 to 48, failed to garner the necessary 60 votes to push the bill forward.

Republicans have said Democratic pursuit of the legislation is politically motivated. "Even the Democrats themselves view this as unrelated as to what's on the minds of the American people right now," Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) said. "Clearly this is not a serious effort to address the price of gas at the pump."

The bill, introduced by Senate Democrats during a period of higher gas prices and record oil company profits, has been touted as a way to begin reducing the federal deficit. But the procedural vote, necessary to bring the legislation up for debate, failed to find the necessary 60 votes to pass. In addition to Republican opposition, Democrats from oil-heavy states, including Sens. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and Mark Begich of Alaska, voted against it, as did Sen. Ben Nelson from Nebraska. However, the Republican Senators from Maine, Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, voted in favor of the bill.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D., Nev.) said he would press to have a repeal of the tax breaks included in any budget deal reached in Congress. "I am confident that before we finish our budget negotiations, that will be part of it," Reid said.

In a separate vote on Wednesday, Senate lawmakers are expected to act on an alternative bill sponsored by Republicans that aims to speed up government approval of oil-drilling permits. That measure would require the government to determine within 60 days whether to grant such a permit. If officials failed to make a determination, permission would be granted automatically. The GOP measure, which would also direct the administration to increase offshore lease sales to the industry, is expected to fail as well.

The oil-tax bill, introduced last week by Sen. Robert Menendez (D., N.J.), would channel roughly $2 billion a year in repealed tax breaks to help close the federal deficit. The companies targeted by the bill include Royal Dutch Shell PLC's (RDSA, RDSA.LN) Shell Oil Co., Chevron Corp. (CVX) and Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM).

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in a letter to Senators Monday, argued repealing the tax breaks could raise energy costs and potentially increase dependence on foreign oil.

Sen. Richard Burr (R., N.C.,) said changes to the tax code must be looked at comprehensively as part of the broader deficit reduction debate. "We need to reform our entire tax code," said Burr, who joined the Senate Finance Committee Tuesday. "Short of tax simplification, I don't think we should be in the business of taking [subsidies] from some and not from everybody."

Senate Democrats may not have seriously expected the bill to advance. It was never attached to legislation from the House of Representatives, where revenue bills must start. Nor was it ever voted on by Senate Finance, which has jurisdiction over tax bills. That panel is currently working on a separate bill repealing certain tax breaks for major oil companies to fund clean-energy projects.

Senate Democrats separately sent a letter Tuesday to the Federal Trade Commission urging the agency to look into whether there is any evidence of collusion to fix prices on oil supplies by some refinery companies.

The letter suggested there was some evidence that refineries were cutting back on their capacity at the same time as they were increasing exports of refined gasoline products. The lawmakers said both these factors could be affecting the rapid escalation in the price of gasoline at the pumps for U.S. consumers.

Several top Senate Democrats, including Reid and his two top deputies, Sens. Richard Durbin (D., Ill.) and Charles Schumer (D., N.Y.), signed the letter.

"Why is it that these refineries began shutting down their capacity," said Sen. Clare McCaskill (D., Mo.), another lawmaker who signed the letter. "We've got higher production than we've had in a long, long time, but they're exporting more and cutting back on their capacity to deliver more gasoline into the supply chain. That is very hard for me to understand."

U.S. exports of gasoline, diesel fuel and fuel oil were up through the end of February, according to Energy Department data, in part reflecting shipments to Central and South American markets left short of supply by problems at refineries in Venezuela, analysts say. The same data shows refinery capacity utilization trending down to just under 80% in February 2011, the most recent data available, from just over 90% in July 2010.

RDS 2nd Quarter and Half Year 2011 Results
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TIDMRDSA TIDMRDSB

2ND QUARTER AND HALF YEAR 2011 UNAUDITED RESULTS

* Royal Dutch Shell's second quarter 2011 earnings, on a current cost of
supplies (CCS) basis (see Note 1), were $8.0 billion compared with $4.5
billion the same quarter a year ago. Basic CCS earnings per share increased
by 74% versus the second quarter of 2010.

* Second quarter 2011 CCS earnings, excluding identified items (see page 6),
were $6.6 billion compared with $4.2 billion in the second quarter 2010, an
increase of 56%. Basic CCS earnings per share excluding identified items
increased by 52% versus the same quarter a year ago.

* Cash flow from operating activities for the second quarter 2011 was $10.0
billion. Excluding net working capital movements, cash flow from operating
activities in the second quarter 2011 was $12.3 billion, compared with $8.6
billion in the same quarter last year.

* Net capital investment (see Note 1) for the quarter was $6.0 billion. Total
cash dividends paid to shareholders during the second quarter 2011 were
$1.8 billion. Some 23.9 million Class A shares, equivalent to $0.8 billion,
were issued under the Scrip Dividend Programme for the first quarter 2011.

* Gearing at the end of the second quarter 2011 was 12.1%.

* A second quarter 2011 dividend has been announced of $0.42 per ordinary
share, unchanged from the US dollar dividend per share for the same period
in 2010.

Middle East Crude-Shell Singapore fire may cap rally

SINGAPORE, Sept 28 (Reuters) - Oman crude values continued
their surge on Wednesday, but a fire at Shell's refinery in
Singapore may cap the rally in the Middle East market as the
plant mainly imports supplies from the region.

Shell 3rd Quarter 2011 Unaudited Results

* Royal Dutch Shell's third quarter 2011 earnings, on a current cost of
supplies (CCS) basis (see Note 1), were $7.2 billion compared with $3.5
billion the same quarter a year ago. Basic CCS earnings per share increased
by 104% versus the third quarter of 2010.

* Third quarter 2011 CCS earnings, excluding identified items (see page 5),
were $7.0 billion compared with $4.9 billion in the third quarter 2010, an
increase of 42%. Basic CCS earnings per share excluding identified items
increased by 40% versus the same quarter a year ago.

* Cash flow from operating activities for the third quarter 2011 was $11.6
billion. Excluding net working capital movements, cash flow from operating
activities in the third quarter 2011 was $10.6 billion, compared with $8.1
billion in the same quarter last year.

* Net capital investment (see Note 1) for the quarter was $6.1 billion. Total
dividends distributed in the quarter were $2.6 billion of which $0.7
billion were settled under the Scrip Dividend Programme. Some 25.3 million
shares, equivalent to $0.8 billion, were bought back for cancellation
during the quarter under our share buyback programme.

* Gearing at the end of the third quarter 2011 was 10.8%.

* A third quarter 2011 dividend has been announced of $0.42 per ordinary
share and $0.84 per American Depositary Share (ADS), unchanged from the US
dollar dividend per share and per ADS for the same period in 2010.

RDS Sets Out New Growth Agenda

London: 2 February 2012 - Shell today updated shareholders on progress against
its strategic plan to generate profitable growth. In today's volatile economic
environment, the company's strategic aim remains to drive forward with its
investment programme, to deliver sustainable growth and provide competitive
returns to shareholders.

Key highlights:

* Global economy and energy markets likely to see continued high volatility.
Shell remains focused on through-cycle investment for sustainable growth.

* Delivery of underlying strategic drivers for 2012 targets established,
underpinned by 14 project start-ups 2009-11, and Shell's continuous
improvement programmes.

* Shell declared $10.5 billion of dividends in 2011 and expects to grow the
dividend in 2012, reflecting an improving financial position.

* Net capital investment in 2012 of $30 billion - 80% in Upstream - as Shell
invests for a new tranche of growth.

* Measured increase in spending and payout underpinned by a new outlook for
cashflow from operations for the period 2012-15 some 30-50% higher than the
2008-11 total.

* Growth outlook driven by over 60 new projects and options, maturing 20
billion boe of new resources potential, including major projects in
liquefied natural gas (LNG), deep water, tight gas, liquids-rich shales and
traditional plays.

4TH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2011 UNAUDITED RESULTS

* Royal Dutch Shell's fourth quarter 2011 earnings, on a current cost of
supplies (CCS) basis (see Note 1), were $6.5 billion compared with $5.7
billion in the same quarter a year ago. Full year 2011 CCS earnings were
$28.6 billion compared with $18.6 billion in 2010.

* Fourth quarter 2011 CCS earnings excluding identified items (see page 5)
were $4.8 billion compared with $4.1 billion in the fourth quarter 2010, an
increase of 18%. Full year 2011 CCS earnings excluding identified items
were $24.7 billion compared with $18.1 billion in 2010.

* Basic CCS earnings per share excluding identified items for the fourth
quarter 2011 increased by 16% versus the same quarter a year ago. Basic CCS
earnings per share excluding identified items for the full year 2011
increased by 35% versus a year ago.

* Cash flow from operating activities was $6.5 billion for the fourth quarter
2011 and $36.8 billion for the full year. Excluding net working capital
movements, cash flow from operating activities was $7.2 billion for the
fourth quarter 2011 and $43.2 billion for the full year.

* Gearing was 13.1% at the end of 2011 versus 17.1% at the end of 2010.

* A fourth quarter 2011 dividend has been announced of $0.42 per ordinary
share and $0.84 per American Depositary Share (ADS), unchanged from the US
dollar dividend per share and per ADS for the same period in 2010.

* A first quarter 2012 dividend is expected to be declared at $0.43 per share
and $0.86 per ADS, an increase of 2% compared with the first quarter 2011
US dollar dividend.

RDS: Proposed offer for Cove Energy plc

PROPOSED CASH OFFER

by

Shell Exploration and Production (XL) B.V. ("Shell Bidco")

(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell plc ("Shell"))

for

Cove Energy plc ("Cove")

1. Highlights

* Proposed Offer of 195 pence in cash for each Cove share.*

* The Proposed Offer values the entire issued and to be issued share capital
of Cove at approximately £992.4 million and would represent a premium of:

* 73.3 per cent. to the closing price of 112.5 pence per Cove share as of 4
January 2012, the last business day prior to Cove's announcement of the
sale process for the company; and

* 28.5 per cent. to the average closing price of 151.75 pence per Cove share
over the five business days ending on 21 February 2012, the last business
day prior to the date of this announcement.

* The making of an announcement of a firm intention to make the Proposed
Offer by Shell Bidco (the "Firm Intention Announcement") is subject to, and
conditional upon, the receipt of written consent of the Republic of
Mozambique's Minister of Mineral Resources (or through one or more
delegated representatives) as required under Article 24.1 of the
Exploration and Production Concession Contract relating to Cove's 8.5 per
cent participating interest in the Mozambique Rovuma Offshore Area 1 Block
(the "Rovuma Area 1 Interest"), such consent to be in a form satisfactory
to Shell Bidco (the "Mozambique Consent").

* The Board of Cove believes that the level and nature of the Proposed Offer
are such that it is in its shareholders' interests to progress matters with
Shell Bidco to the point where such an offer can be made. Accordingly, the
Board of Cove would expect to recommend the Proposed Offer of 195 pence in
cash per Cove share, if made. It has been agreed that, if the Board of Cove
does so recommend the Proposed Offer of 195 pence in cash per Cove share,
each director of Cove will provide a hard irrevocable undertaking to accept
the offer in respect of his own entire beneficial holdings of Cove shares
and those of his family members and related trusts.

* Notwithstanding this announcement, the formal sale process, including the
dispensations granted by the Panel on Takeovers and Mergers in connection
therewith (as detailed in the announcement by Cove on 5 January 2012),
shall continue.

Royal Dutch Shell (RDSA, RDSA.LN) is reporting a "light sheen" in the central portion of the Gulf of Mexico but says it has no "current indication" that oil is coming from nearby wells.

Shell says it has dispatched an oil-spill response vessel to the location, between the Mars and Ursa production areas, and has requested flights to monitor the one-by-10-mile sheen with aerial surveillance. Shell has no indication what the sheen may be comprised of, company spokeswoman Shell spokeswoman Kelly op de Weegh said.

"The source and type of sheen is currently unknown," said op de Weegh.

Shell facilities in the Gulf of Mexico include platforms in the Mars and Ursa areas, both of which are about 130 miles southeast of New Orleans, according to the company's website. The oil and natural gas produced in the fields are transported to shore via pipelines.

Shell says it notified the National Response Center Wednesday and is acting out of "prudent caution."

Lt. Matt Kor of U.S. Coast Guard District 8, based in New Orleans, told Dow Jones Newswires that the district wasn't yet aware of the sheen. "We haven't seen any reports coming across the board," Kor said.

Shell said the oil-spill response vessel it dispatched, the Louisiana Responder, is equipped with skimming and boom capabilities.

"Shell's priority is to respond proactively, safely and in close coordination with the regulatory agencies," the company said in a statement.

Nearly two years ago, a drilling rig known as the Deepwater Horizon exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, unleashing the worst offshore oil spill in U.S. history.

-By Tennille Tracy and Ben Lefebvre, Dow Jones Newswires; 202-862-6619; tennille.tracy@dowjones.com

Royal Dutch Shell plc: Gulf of Mexico Oil Sheen Status Update
PR Newswire
THE HAGUE, The Netherlands, April 12, 2012
THE HAGUE, The Netherlands, April 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --
- (NYSE: RDS.A) (NYSE: RDS.B)
Following reports of an oil sheen in the vicinity of the Mars and Ursa production area in the Gulf of Mexico yesterday, a thorough inspection to date of Shell assets reveals operations in the area are normal with no sign of leaks.  We have also confirmed there are no well control issues associated with our drilling operations in the area.
Shell is continuing to cooperate with federal regulators in their efforts to determine the cause and nature of the sheen, which is estimated to be 6 barrels.
In addition, although we are confident at this time that the sheen did not originate from Shell operations, out of prudent caution we will continue to respond to the sheen.  In that regard, the following actions have taken place:
- Louisiana Responder, Oil Spill Response Vessel (OSRV) is on station and remains ready to respond
- Over flights will continue as weather conditions permit
- Shell has deployed two remote operating vehicles to inspect Shell and non-Shell infrastructure and search for potential naturally-occurring seeps in the area.

1st Quarter Results.



1ST QUARTER 2012 UNAUDITED RESULTS

* Royal Dutch Shell's first quarter 2012 earnings, on a current cost of
supplies (CCS) basis (see Note 1), were $7.7 billion compared with $6.9
billion in the same quarter a year ago.

* First quarter 2012 CCS earnings excluding identified items (see page 5)
were $7.3 billion compared with $6.3 billion in the first quarter 2011, an
increase of 16%.

* Basic CCS earnings per share excluding identified items for the first
quarter 2012 increased by 15% versus the same quarter a year ago.

* Cash flow from operating activities for the first quarter 2012 was $13.4
billion. Excluding net working capital movements, cash flow from operating
activities in the first quarter 2012 was $12.7 billion.

* Capital investment for the first quarter 2012 was $7.0 billion. Net capital
investment (see Note 1) for the quarter was $4.6 billion. Total dividends
distributed in the quarter were $2.7 billion, of which $1.0 billion were
settled under the Scrip Dividend Programme.

* Gearing at the end of the first quarter 2012 was 9.9%.

* A first quarter 2012 dividend has been announced of $0.43 per ordinary
share and $0.86 per American Depositary Share (ADS), an increase of 2.4%
compared with the first quarter 2011 US dollar dividend.

.

That's how rumours start! :-)

.

Nothing on the beeb or reuters.

.

Here it is - UPDATE 1-Qatar buys 'major' stake in oil giant Shell

(Adds Shell statement, background)

May 11 (Reuters) - Qatar is continuing its overseas buying spree, snapping up a stake in Royal Dutch Shell and reportedly also eyeing a chunk of Italian oil major ENI .

A Shell spokeswoman confirmed that Qatar had bought a stake but declined to say how large.

.

Royal Dutch Shell plc - Share Buy-back Programme


Royal Dutch Shell plc (the `Company') announces that it has entered into an
irrevocable, non-discretionary arrangement with an independent third party to
enable the purchase of `B' ordinary shares, for cancellation, during the period
from 27 June 2012 up to and including 26 July 2012 which period includes the
2012 second quarter results close period.

As previously announced, the purpose of the share buy-back programme is to
offset dilution created by the issuance of shares for the Company's Scrip
Dividend Programme. At this time, it is less economic for the Company to
purchase `A' ordinary shares under the share buy-back programme due to Dutch
dividend withholding Tax rules.

Any purchases will be effected within certain pre-set parameters and in
accordance with the Company's general authority to repurchase shares and
Chapter 12 of the Listing Rules.

2nd Quarter AND HALF YEAR 2012 UNAUDITED results


2ND QUARTER AND HALF YEAR 2012 UNAUDITED RESULTS

* Royal Dutch Shell's second quarter 2012 earnings, on a current cost of
supplies (CCS) basis (see Note 1), were $6.0 billion compared with $8.0
billion in the same quarter a year ago.

* Second quarter 2012 CCS earnings, excluding identified items (see page 6),
were $5.7 billion compared with $6.6 billion in the second quarter 2011, a
decrease of 13%. Basic CCS earnings per share excluding identified items
decreased by 13% versus the same quarter a year ago.

* Cash flow from operating activities for the second quarter 2012 was $13.3
billion. Cash flow from operating activities excluding movements in working
capital was $9.5 billion in the second quarter 2012.

* Net capital investment (see Note 1) for the second quarter 2012 was $6.3
billion. Capital investment for the second quarter 2012 was $8.1 billion
and proceeds from divestments were some $1.8 billion.

* Total dividends distributed in the quarter were $2.8 billion, of which some
$0.6 billion were settled under the Scrip Dividend Programme. Some 26.5
million shares were bought back for cancellation during the quarter for a
consideration of $0.9 billion.

* Gearing at the end of the second quarter 2012 was 8.1%.

* A second quarter 2012 dividend has been announced of $0.43 per ordinary
share and $0.86 per American Depository Share (ADS), an increase of 2.4%
compared with the second quarter 2011.

Ukraine and Shell sign '$10bn' shale gas deal

Ukraine has signed a major shale gas deal with Royal Dutch Shell - a move seen as an attempt by Kiev to reduce its dependency on Russian gas imports.

The contract - reportedly worth $10bn (£6bn) - was agreed on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in the Swiss ski resort of Davos.

Ukraine is believed to have some of the largest shale gas reserves in Europe.