South Africa’s top court has blocked Shell’s offshore oil exploration, adding another setback as the energy giant prepares to sell its downstream business.
South Africa’s Constitutional Court has blocked Shell's offshore oil exploration, dealing a fresh blow to the energy giant after years of legal challenges from affected communities and environmental groups.
The court’s Friday ruling overturns a 2024 decision by the Supreme Court of Appeal that had allowed Shell and its partners to continue exploring for oil and gas off South Africa’s coastline, Reuters reported.
The prolonged legal battles have already delayed offshore exploration and weighed on investor interest in the country’s emerging oil and gas industry.
Shell faces setback as it prepares to exit fuel retail.
