The Times: Need to Know: Global Business Briefing: “Shell, the Anglo-Dutch oil major, which recently outlined its strategy plan, is due to report its third-quarter figures on Thursday. Analysts expect adjusted net income of about $4.33 billion, 42 per cent above last time.” (ShellNews.net)

Edited by Neelam Verjee, Joe Bolger and Tom Roundell

October 25, 2004

NATURAL RESOURCES

Down 0.6%

BP, the world’s second- biggest listed oil group, will report third-quarter results tomorrow. The figures come after recent predictions that it would meet its 2004 production targets and continue with share buybacks. Profits are tipped at $4.18 billion (£2.3 billion) against $2.87 billion last time.

Shell, the Anglo-Dutch oil major, which recently outlined its strategy plan, is due to report its third-quarter figures on Thursday. Analysts expect adjusted net income of about $4.33 billion, 42 per cent above last time.

The board of directors of Gazprom, the Russian gas monopoly, will on Friday discuss the creation of an oil unit to consolidate state assets.