Shell, Total eye Mexico oil law changes keenly

LONDON (Reuters) – European oil majors Royal Dutch Shell Plc and Total SA said they were keenly watching proposed legal changes in Mexico that could pave the way for investment by foreign companies in oil production.

Shell’s head of exploration and production, Malcolm Brinded, said the fact the legal changes may not go so far as to allow foreign companies to book reserves would not be a deterrent, as Shell was more focussed on profit than reserves bookings.


“We’re always keen to see countries open up access. It will be exciting to see Mexico in that regard,” Brinded told reporters in a briefing at the sidelines of the International Oil Summit in Paris.

“We do think we can bring something to bear there,” he added, citing Shell’s experience in oil production in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.

Reuters