Shell anticipates lower gas sales in the first quarter of 2024

Shell anticipates reduced gas margins for the first quarter of 2024, contrasting with the significant results of the previous winter.
Shell ventes gaz T1 2024

Partagez:

In a statement on Friday April 5, Shell said that gas sales and margins, while solid, would be “significantly weaker” in the first quarter of 2024 compared with the exceptional figures for the final quarter of 2023. This change was mainly due to lower winter demand and lower gas prices, which had peaked this winter due to high seasonal demand.

Optimism in chemicals

In contrast to gas, Shell is forecasting a marked improvement in sales and margins for its chemicals business. The Group highlights a significant increase in first-quarter performance in this sector, supported by strategic adjustments and increased demand.

Review of production operations

Forecasts for liquefied natural gas (LNG) production and refining volumes have been revised upwards, indicating a significant increase compared to the end of 2023. This increase is due to the optimization of operations and adaptation to current market conditions.

Market uncertainties and fluctuations

Shell also widened the range of its forecasts for oil and gas extraction, reflecting heightened uncertainty in this sector. Gas prices in Europe have fallen by around 17% since the start of the year, following a historic surge after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Oil prices, although reduced since the early conflict peaks, remain volatile due to tensions in the Middle East.

Russ Mould, analyst at AJ Bell, notes that Shell CEO Wael Sawan is working to improve the group’s valuation relative to its US competitors. It also underlines the importance of Shell’s commitment to carbon neutrality, while ensuring that investments are cost-effective. According to Russ Mould, Shell should anticipate a loss of between $0.1 and $0.5 billion for the first quarter.

Shell Canada Energy announces shipment of the first liquefied natural gas cargo from its LNG Canada complex, located in Kitimat, British Columbia, primarily targeting fast-growing Asian economic and energy markets.
The Australian government is considering the establishment of an east coast gas reservation as part of a sweeping review of market rules to ensure supply, with risks of shortages signalled by 2028.
The increase in oil drilling, deepwater exploration, and chemical advances are expected to raise the global drilling fluids market to $10.7bn by 2032, according to Meticulous Research.
Enbridge Gas Ohio is assessing its legal options following the Ohio regulator's decision to cut its revenues, citing potential threats to investment and future customer costs.
The small-scale liquefied natural gas market is forecast to grow at an annual rate of 7.5%, reaching an estimated total value of $31.78bn by 2030, driven particularly by maritime and heavy-duty road transport sectors.
The European Union extends gas storage regulations by two years, requiring member states to maintain a minimum fill rate of 90% to ensure energy security and economic stability amid market uncertainties.
Energy Transfer strengthens its partnership with Chevron by increasing their liquefied natural gas supply agreement by 50% from the upcoming Lake Charles LNG export terminal, strategically aiming for long-term supply security.
Woodside finalises the divestment of a 40% stake in the Louisiana LNG project to Stonepeak, injecting $5.7 billion to accelerate developments and optimise financial returns ahead of first gas delivery scheduled in 2026.
Keranic Industrial Gas seals a sixty-day exclusivity deal to buy Royal Helium’s key assets, raise CAD9.5mn ($7.0mn) and bring Alberta’s Steveville plant back online in under fifteen weeks.
The Irish-Portuguese company Fusion Fuel strengthens its footprint in the United Arab Emirates as subsidiary Al Shola Gas adds AED4.4 mn ($1.2 mn) in new engineering contracts, consolidating an already robust 2025 order book.
Cheniere Energy validates major investment to expand Corpus Christi terminal, adding two liquefaction units to increase its liquefied natural gas export capacity by 2029, responding to recent international agreements.
A study by the International Energy Agency reveals that global emissions from liquefied natural gas could be significantly reduced using current technologies.
Europe is injecting natural gas into underground storage facilities at a three-year high, even as reserves remain below historical averages, prompting maximized imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
South Korea abandons plans to lower electricity rates this summer, fearing disruptions in liquefied natural gas supply due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, despite recent declines in fuel import costs.
Russia positions itself to supply liquefied natural gas to Mexico and considers expanded technological sharing in the energy sector, according to Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov.
Israel has partially resumed its natural gas exports to Egypt and Jordan following a week-long halt due to the closure of two major offshore gas fields, Leviathan and Karish.
Nepal reveals a significant potential reserve of methane in the west of the country, following exploratory drilling conducted with technical support from China, opening new economic prospects.
Petronas formalizes a memorandum with JOGMEC to secure Japanese LNG deliveries, including a first cargo from LNG Canada scheduled for July at Toho Gas.
Belgrade is currently finalising a new gas contract with Russia, promising Europe's lowest tariff, according to Srbijagas General Director Dusan Bajatovic, despite Europe's aim to eliminate Russian imports by 2027.
TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy have won the Ahara exploration licence, marking a new stage in their partnership with SONATRACH on a vast area located between Berkine and Illizi.