Shell restricts sales of oil and diesel

Due to the turbulence on the raw materials market, the oil company Shell is only offering a limited number of products. For motorists, however, there should not be any problems for the time being.

Due to the tense market situation, the oil company Shell Shell Aktien has initially restricted the sale of heating oil, diesel and other products to some major customers in Germany. This emerges from a letter from Shell Germany, which is available to the German Press Agency.

The reason given is “massive distortions and shortages on the energy markets” as a result of the outbreak of war in Ukraine, the subsequent sanctions and the economic recovery after the pandemic lull. First, the “Handelsblatt” had reported about it.

In order to be able to continue to fulfill contractually agreed obligations, one restricts the so-called spot sale – i.e. the current sale of oil, diesel and other products without prior agreements.

What the restriction means for motorists

All levers are being set in motion “to stabilize the supply chains as best as possible”, but it is difficult to predict how the situation will develop, it said. A spokeswoman for the company initially declined to comment on the situation.

Shell’s decision should initially have no consequences for motorists. Empty pumps are not to be feared for the time being, because the majority of petroleum products are traded using long-term contracts. In addition, retailers can usually buy additional quantities on a daily basis – this option is now restricted.