Shell in talks to offload 50 Irish petrol stations

OIL giant Shell is in talks to sell off its 50 petrol stations in Ireland.

The company said yesterday that it was in negotiations with a number of bidders for the stations. Although it would not release the names, it is believed that all the major forecourt operators, including Maxol, Esso and Statoil, are interested. No price has been given out by the company, but it could fetch more than €50 million.

Shell has around 50 petrol station in Ireland and services about 160 others. The business up for sale also includes its commercial fuels, lubricants and marine businesses. The company will retain its stake in the Corrib natural gas project and its aviation, bitumen and chemicals units.