Claiming the absence of a level playing field for private oil companies and to consolidate its network, Shell, the global energy major, has announced closure of 15 of its retail outlets in India. The company stated in a release that it will temporarily close these 15 retail outlets from May 7. It further said that the closer of these outlets are the result of rising global crude oil and refined products prices.
Surinderdeep Singh, managing director and general manager of Shell India Marketing stated in a release that, “the company has no plans to leave India and we remain committed to serving our esteemed customer with the highest levels of service at the other remaining sites. Shell remains committed to the fuel retailing business in India and continues to be excited by the growth prospects here. The absence of a level playing field and the high cost of servicing retail outlets spread across a geographically diverse area, have left us no choice but to consolidate our network wherever there are supporting sites nearby for our customers to minimise the inconvenience to them.”
He further pointed out that the playing field must be levelled, as it will bring choice to the customers. Singh said that the company is trying to minimize the inconvenience to its loyal customers by ensuring alternative sites in the close proximity of affected sites. The company had entered retailing business in 2004 after obtaining the marketing license to set up 2,000 outlets in the country.
