Shell exec makes case for market decisions

Shell Oil Co. President John Hofmeister has led his company to 16 U.S. cities this year as part of a 50-city tour at a time of high oil-company profits and relatively high prices at the pump.

The tour, which could take as long as two years, is a way for Shell to listen to Americans’ concerns about the industry, he said. And the talks give Shell a chance to talk about why it believes it should be able to drill offshore in areas that are now off limits.

Analysts give Shell high marks for taking its case on the road. But Shell or any big oil company taking its message to the masses may find it tough to win people over.

“In general, consumers don’t like oil companies