Shell under fire for withholding Nigerian data

WASHINGTON – The Royal Dutch/Shell Group kept secret important details of its sharp reduction in oil and gas reserves, particularly in Nigeria, for fear of damaging its business relationship with the Nigerian government, the New York Times alleged.

The newspaper, citing internal company documents, said Shell had also been anxious not to counter a desire by the Nigerians to increase oil production. The report also alleged that Shell continued to conceal the extent of its problems in Nigeria.A Shell spokesperson said: “We can’t confirm the legitimacy of this memo that the New York Times has said they’ve seen.”She said Shell had recently provided the Nigerian authorities with an explanation of the group’s recategorisation of some proven reserves.”The Nigerian authorities presently appear to be satisfied with Shell’s explanations.”Shell last week cut its oil and gas reserves estimate for the second time this year.- Nampa-AFPThe report also alleged that Shell continued to conceal the extent of its problems in Nigeria.A Shell spokesperson said: “We can’t confirm the legitimacy of this memo that the New York Times has said they’ve seen.”She said Shell had recently provided the Nigerian authorities with an explanation of the group’s recategorisation of some proven reserves.”The Nigerian authorities presently appear to be satisfied with Shell’s explanations.”Shell last week cut its oil and gas reserves estimate for the second time this year.- Nampa-AFP