News & Media releases

RDS buybacks to continue in January close period

20/12/2005

Royal Dutch Shell plc announces that it has completed the programme to return $5 billion to shareholders in 2005 via market purchases of shares. This target included shares purchased for cancellation by The Shell Transport and Trading Company, p.l.c. and Royal Dutch Petroleum Company prior to the Group unification of $0.5 billion.

Royal Dutch Shell plc will now commence an irrevocable, non-discretionary programme to purchase ‘A’ Shares, for cancellation, during its fourth quarter results close period, which commences on January 1, 2006 and ends on February 2, 2006.

Any purchases will be effected within certain pre-set parameters and in accordance with the Company’s general authority to repurchase shares and Chapter 12 of the UK Listing Rules. The maximum price paid per share will be limited to 5% above the average market value of the Company’s equity shares for the 5 business days prior to the day any purchase is made.

The Company expects to continue its buyback programme in 2006 and will provide an update on the 2006 buy back programme with the full year results announcement on February 2, 2006.