The energy sector is of vital
significance to a developing country like Pakistan as both agriculture and
industry are highly dependent on energy to fuel growth. Moreover, with a
rapidly increasing population, greater urbanization and high rates of economic
growth, energy demand seems set to rise by 6-8 percent a year.
As one of the largest investors
in the energy sector Shell plays a vital role in the country’s economic uplift
by enhancing the quality of products and services as well as improving the
distribution infrastructure. Shell also plays a role in the exploration for oil
and gas which helps reduce dependence on imports.
Shell has a strong brand name
with a 100-year history in this region. In 1899, the Company began by importing
kerosene from Azerbaijan probably as a fuel for lamps - in fact the Company is
still in possession of a fuel storage tank from that period.
In 1928, from Asiatic Petroleum,
the name of the Company changed to the Burmah Shell Oil Storage and
Distribution Company of India when the marketing interests of the Royal Dutch
Shell Group and the Burmah Oil Company in India merged.
After the independence of
Pakistan in 1947, the name was changed to the Burmah Shell Oil Distribution
Company of Pakistan. In 1970 Burmah Shell divested 51 percent to the public and
became a listed company renamed Pakistan Burmah Shell (PBS), with Burmah Oil
and Shell retaining 24.5 percent stakes each.
Finally, in early 1993, Shell
acquired Burmah Oil’s holdings along with an additional 2 percent purchased in
the market to obtain majority share-holding of the company which was renamed
Shell Pakistan Limited (SPL) a partnership between Pakistani and foreign
investors.
But the story does not end here.
As an energy company committed to sustainable development, Shell has been
active in both upstream (exploration) and downstream projects (refining,
blending, distribution and marketing) to contribute to fulfilling Pakistan’s
energy requirements.
To this end the Royal Dutch Shell
Group has interests in three other companies in Pakistan; 100 percent
share-holding of Shell Development and Offshore Pakistan B.V, 67 percent stake
in Burshane (Pakistan) Limited and 30 percent stake in Pakistan Refinery
Limited.
SHELL IN PAKISTAN TODAY
With annual sales approaching US
$ 1 billion, Shell Pakistan is one of the leading private sector companies in
Pakistan. The Company has achieved rapid growth in recent years through a
vigorous capital investment programme and by ensuring international standards
of service and product quality.
However investment is not limited
to infrastructure alone - Shell Pakistan prides itself on its investment in
people; not merely through job creation but also through training and the build
up of experience and skills. This commitment covers the whole spectrum of our
people, whether we are developing the business leaders of tomorrow or teaching
our pump attendants basic literacy. Shell Pakistan provides employment directly
or indirectly to over 12,000 persons in Pakistan.
SPL is one of the highest
corporate tax payers having paid Rs. 1.5 billion to the exchequer and collected
Rs 87 billion in government duties during 1993-1999 alone. Sales volumes and
profitability continue to grow with the Company announcing a record divided of
125 percent for the year 1998/1999.
As a major oil marketer, Shell
currently holds about 22 percent share of the hydro-carbon business in
Pakistan. In addition to its products, the Company is supplying value added
services in long term relationships to industries and businesses including
cement, sugar, textiles, airlines, railways, ports, road transport,
construction etc.
The retail network of over 1100
petrol pumps is the flag bearer of the business. Shell sells a range of
products including Motor Gasoline, High Speed Diesel and lubricants from its
Retail Sites built to the highest international standards. Shell has
demonstrated market leadership by providing the best to its customers in terms
of physical facilities and customer value propositions which others strive to
emulate.
Shell takes pride in being a
responsible corporate citizen having contributed over Rs. 30 million to the
Pakistani community through its social investment programme during the past 6
years.
Through this programme Shelf has
had and continues to maintain relationships with a number of non-governmental
organisations working in the areas of community welfare, health, education,
heritage and the environment.
After all Shelf sees its role as
not just that of a commercial operator, but as part of the community and
society of which it is an integral part. The aspirations of the people of
Pakistan are Shell’s aspirations as well and it will continue helping those
people build a better world.
Shell is working hard toward the
economic development of the country by participating in and actively advocating
Pakistan’s investment possibilities at home and overseas. In this regard it has
invested heavily and consistently in the region for over a hundred. Shell has
been active at all economic forums including the Overseas Chamber of Commerce
and Industry of which it was the Chairman and has worked closely with the
government in formulating and advising on policy.
It has received several awards
for high performance including the Top Companies Award presented by The Karachi
Stock Exchange in 1997, 1994 and 1993. Shell’s commitment to the country’s
economic and social development remains unequivocal and it hopes to see a
prosperous Pakistan moving ever faster on the road of development.
AFTER ALL ‘YOU CAN BE SURE OF SHELL’
To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post Office is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs 4 denomination on November 15,1999.
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