At Least 1,000 Shell Stations Are Closing in 2025 (Are You Losing Yours?)

Major gas retailer Shell has announced plans to close more than 1,000 stations through 2025, according to an article from Intersolar. 

The British oil and gas company was the largest oil producer in the world in the early 20th century. It worked to vertically integrate its business model through exploration, production, refining, transport, distribution, marketing, petrochemicals, power generation, and trading, in addition to its retail gas stations. 

This is a stark pivot from the company's previous business statements, which indicated it would be turning back toward oil and gas. The continually rising cost of filling a vehicle's gas tank has consumers pushing away from gas-powered engines and looking for ways to make smart car owner moves to save money. 

Read on to learn about Shell's plan for this year and which areas will likely be impacted first. 

According to official statements from Shell, the closings align with its shifting focus to provide electric vehicle charging and convenience offers. The company plans to shut down over 1,000 locations by the end of 2025 and has installed 70,000 public charging stations globally so far. 

Wael Sawan, Shell's CEO, announced before this shift that he would pivot the company back toward oil and gas and decrease its wind and solar operations. Later, the company announced it would close stations and pivot again to focus on electric vehicle charging.

While specific closures have not been announced, many are speculating that states with high concentrations of Shell gas stations have either experienced or could expect closures soon. Texas may feel the impact first, losing hundreds of jobs in the oil and gas exploration and development team. This cut is expected to include many workers from the Houston area, where its offices are located, requiring workers to find other ways to build wealth. 

The closing of retail gas stations will likely impact California, Nevada, Utah, South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota. Shell is the sixth-biggest gas station in Minnesota, with over 70 locations throughout the state. 

Pivoting away from alternative energy sources apparently didn't work out so well for Shell gas stations in the past, as they are now pivoting toward EV charging ports. 

Shell USA did acquire Volta, an EV charging company, which has helped them achieve their goal of installing 70,000 electric charging stations. 

It remains to be seen if the company's many pivots will lead to continued success or if the closings will continue. 

Consumer interest leans heavily toward environmentally friendly transportation options, but the upfront costs can prevent many families from making the switch from gas to electric cars. If you want to fight rising costs, perhaps looking at ways to save money on car insurance would also be beneficial.