Legal proceedings and contingencies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Other Provisions, Contingent Liabilities And Contingent Assets [Abstract]
Legal proceedings and other contingencies	Legal proceedings and other contingencies General In the ordinary course of business, Shell subsidiaries are subject to a number of contingencies arising from litigation and claims brought by governmental authorities, including tax authorities and private parties. The operations and earnings of Shell subsidiaries continue, from time to time, to be affected to varying degrees by political, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments, including those relating to the protection of the environment and indigenous groups in the countries where they operate. The industries in which Shell subsidiaries are engaged are also subject to physical risks of various types. The amounts claimed in relation to such events and, if such claims against Shell were successful, the costs of implementing the remedies sought in the various cases could be substantial. Based on information available to date and taking into account that in some cases it is not practicable to estimate the possible magnitude or timing of any resultant payments, management believes that the foregoing are not expected to have a material adverse impact on Shell's Consolidated Financial Statements. However, there remains a high degree of uncertainty around these contingencies, as well as their potential effect on future operations, earnings, cash flows and Shell's financial condition. Costs in respect of decommissioning and restoration obligations are subject to uncertain timing and amount, and are dependent on various factors that are not always within management's control (see Note 25). In certain divestment transactions, liabilities related to decommissioning and restoration are de-recognised upon transfer of these obligations to the buyer. In certain cases, Shell retains a secondary obligation for decommissioning activities, either via reversionary legislation or the issuance of guarantees, in case the primary obligor is not able to meet its obligation. These exposures are actively monitored, and the likelihood of a liability arising in respect of these obligations is not considered probable. Decommissioning and restoration of manufacturing facilities For long-lived manufacturing facilities, where decommissioning would generally be more than 50 years away, while there is a present obligation that has arisen from past events, the amount of the obligation cannot be reliably measured. This is because the settlement dates are indeterminate; and other estimates, such as extremely long-term discount rates for which there is no observable measure, cannot be reliably determined. Consequently, the decommissioning and restoration obligation that exists for such long-lived manufacturing facilities cannot be reliably quantified and is disclosed as a contingent liability. There remains a high degree of uncertainty concerning such obligations and their potential effects on future operations, earnings, cash flows, reputation and Shell's financial condition. 32. Legal proceedings and other contingencies continued Pesticide litigation Shell, along with another agricultural chemical pesticide manufacturer and several distributors, has been sued by public and quasi-public water purveyors, water storage districts and private landowners alleging responsibility for groundwater contamination caused by applications of chemical pesticides. There are approximately nine such cases currently pending, four claims made but not yet filed, and an active subpoena for records. These matters assert various theories of strict liability and negligence, seeking to recover actual damages, including drinking well treatment and remediation costs. Most assert claims for punitive damages. Shell continues to vigorously defend these actions. Based on the claims asserted and Shell's history regarding amounts paid to resolve varying actions, management does not expect the outcome of the matters pending at December 31, 2024, to have a material adverse impact on Shell USA. However, there remains a high degree of uncertainty regarding the potential outcome of some of these pending lawsuits, as well as their potential effect on future operations, earnings, cash flows and Shell's financial condition. Climate change litigation In the USA, energy companies (including Shell), industry associations, and others have been named in several matters alleging responsibility for the impacts of climate change due to the use of fossil fuels. These matters assert various theories of liability for a wide variety of harms, including but not limited to, impacts to public and private infrastructure, natural resources, and public health and services. As of December 31, 2024, 31 lawsuits naming Shell as a defendant were pending. In the Netherlands, in a case against Shell brought by a group of environmental non-governmental organisations and individual claimants (referred to herein as "Milieudefensie"), the Hague District Court in 2021 found that while Shell was not acting unlawfully, Shell had the obligation to reduce the aggregate annual volume of CO2 emissions of Shell operations and energy-carrying products sold across Scope 1, 2 and 3 by 45% (net) by the end of 2030 relative to its 2019 emissions levels. For Scopes 2 and 3, this was a significant best-efforts obligation. Shell appealed that ruling. On November 12, 2024, the Hague Court of Appeal upheld Shell's appeal and dismissed the claim against Shell. In doing so, the Court of Appeal annulled the earlier judgment of the District Court in its entirety with immediate effect. On February 11, 2025, Milieudefensie filed an appeal to the Supreme Court of the Netherlands. Management believes the outcome of these matters should be resolved in a manner favourable to Shell, but there remains a high degree of uncertainty regarding the ultimate outcome of these lawsuits, as well as their potential effect on future operations, earnings, cash flows and Shell's financial condition. NAM (Groningen gas field) litigation Since 1963, NAM – a joint venture between Shell and ExxonMobil (50%:50%) – has been producing gas from the Groningen field, the largest gas field in Western Europe. After smaller tremors in the 1990s and the late 2000s, an earthquake measuring 3.6 on the Richter scale occurred in 2012, causing damage to properties in the affected area. NAM has successfully settled close to 80,000 claims for physical damage to property. The Dutch State has taken over the damage-claim-handling from NAM for all claim categories, and the strengthening operation in the region, while NAM remains financially responsible insofar as the costs corresponded to NAM's liability. In 2022, NAM started arbitrations with the Dutch government to have its financial liability determined for costs which the Dutch government compensated to claimants and subsequently charged to NAM. These claims include but are not limited to physical damage to property, housing value loss, emotional damage, and loss of living enjoyment. Arbitral awards in the strengthening and damages arbitrations are expected to be rendered in March and Summer 2025 respectively. Shell is seeking to reach a final, all-encompassing settlement with the Dutch government on the new design of the Dutch "Gasgebouw" earthquake costs and the wind-down of natural gas production in Groningen. Shell, ExxonMobil and the Dutch government reached agreements in 2018 (Heads of Agreement) and 2019 (Interim Agreement) and subsequently have been engaged in discussions on the interpretation and implementation of these agreements and on a final and all-encompassing settlement. As these discussions have not led to such a settlement, in December 2023, the NAM shareholders asked an independent arbitration panel to rule on the interpretation and implementation of the agreements made in 2018/2019. The purpose of this arbitration is for a neutral third party to assess the situation and provide clarity. The arbitration is expected to take several years, and the judgement will be binding. The arbitration does not preclude a final and all-encompassing settlement, provided Shell, ExxonMobil and the Dutch government agree to pursue such a settlement. There remains a high degree of uncertainty concerning the ultimate outcome of these disputes and their potential effect on future operations, earnings, cash flows, reputation and Shell's financial condition. 32. Legal proceedings and other contingencies continued Kazakhstan Shell has several matters in dispute involving the Republic of Kazakhstan. One litigation matter involving a Shell NOV relates to a Sulphur permitting inspection outcome. An unfavourable ruling was issued by the Administrative Collegium of Astana City Court in February 2024. The Shell NOV filed an appeal in March 2024 to the Kazakhstan Supreme Court which is pending. The other matters are ongoing disputes involving two Shell NOVs under the applicable production-sharing contracts. At this time, it is not possible to reliably estimate the magnitude and timing of any possible obligations or payments in respect of the matters above or whether any payments will be due. There remains a high degree of uncertainty regarding the ultimate outcomes, as well as the potential effect on future operations, earnings, cash flows and Shell's financial condition. Nigerian litigation Shell (in its capacity as previous owner of SPDC) and various subsidiaries and associates operating in Nigeria are parties to various environmental, non-environmental and contractual disputes brought in the courts of Nigeria, the USA and England. These disputes are at different stages in arbitration and litigation, including at the appellate stage, where judgements have been rendered against Shell entities in some of these disputes. If taken at face value, the aggregate amount of these judgements could be seen as material. Management, however, believes that the outcomes of these disputes, once determined, will be favourable to Shell. However, there remains a high degree of uncertainty regarding these cases, as well as their potential effect on future operations, earnings, cash flows and Shell's financial condition. OPL 245 In March 2017, criminal charges alleging official corruption and conspiracy to commit official corruption were filed against SNEPCO, one then current now former Shell employee and third parties including ENI SpA and one of its subsidiaries. Those charges were struck out for want of diligent prosecution and the proceedings have been dismissed. However, they can be refiled. In March 2017, parties alleging to be shareholders of Malabu Oil and Gas Company Ltd. (Malabu) filed two actions to challenge the 2011 settlement of litigation pertaining to Oil Prospecting Licence 245 (OPL 245) with regard to potential anti-bribery, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering laws and the award of OPL 245 to SNEPCO and an ENI SpA subsidiary by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Both actions are currently stayed awaiting the outcome of appeals filed against procedural decisions. Those appeal proceedings are ongoing. On May 8, 2018, Human Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) sought permission from the Federal High Court of Nigeria to apply for an order to direct the Attorney General of the Federation to revoke OPL 245 on grounds that the entire Malabu transaction in relation to the OPL is unconstitutional, illegal and void as it was obtained through fraudulent and corrupt practice. On July 3, 2019, the Nigerian Federal High Court upheld objections from SNEPCO and NAE and struck the lawsuit filed by HEDA. The suit was struck because of the statute of limitations and lack of jurisdiction to hear the matter. HEDA has appealed the judgement, which is ongoing. On July 21, 2022, the Dutch Public Prosecutor's office announced it had dismissed its investigation into bribery allegations related to OPL 245. On October 24, 2022, Re:Common, HEDA and The Corner House announced that they filed a complaint at the Court of Appeal in The Hague, pursuant to Article 12 of the Dutch Code for Criminal Procedure, challenging the decision by the Dutch Public Prosecutor to dismiss its investigation. On March 20, 2025, the Court of Appeal in The Hague dismissed this complaint. There remains a high degree of uncertainty around the OPL 245 matters and contingencies discussed above, as well as their potential effect on future operations, earnings, cash flows and Shell's financial condition. Accordingly, at this time, it is not possible to reliably estimate the possible obligations and timing of any payments. Any violation of anti-bribery, anti-corruption or anti-money laundering legislation could have a material adverse effect on Shell plc's earnings, cash flows and financial condition. Russia On October 2, 2024, the Russian prosecutor filed a Moscow court claim against eight Shell-group entities (including Shell plc and Shell Energy Europe Limited ("SEEL")). The prosecutor seeks (i) declarations that Shell illegally abandoned in support of Sakhalin Energy Investment Company ("Sakhalin"); (ii) monetary relief of approximately €1.5 billion from SEEL to Gazprom Export ("GPE") for alleged unpaid gas deliveries in 2022; and (iii) a declaration that GPE can take 94₽ billion purportedly set aside for Shell for Sakhalin equity compensation from a Type-C account to net off against part of the alleged debt owed by SEEL to GPE. On January 30, 2025, SEEL filed a written postponement motion in the Moscow court proceedings regarding SEEL's non-payment of GPE gas invoices and Sakhalin. At a court hearing on February 14, 2025, the judge postponed the proceedings until the next hearing, which is scheduled for April 14, 2025. At this time, it is not possible to reliably estimate the magnitude and timing of any possible obligations or payments in respect of the matters above or whether any payments will be due. There remains a high degree of uncertainty regarding the ultimate outcomes, as well as the potential effect on future operations, earnings, cash flows and Shell's financial condition.

In the ordinary course of business, Shell subsidiaries are subject to a number of contingencies arising from litigation and claims brought by governmental authorities, including tax authorities and private parties. The operations and earnings of Shell subsidiaries continue, from time to time, to be affected to varying degrees by political, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments, including those relating to the protection of the environment and indigenous groups in the countries where they operate. The industries in which Shell subsidiaries are engaged are also subject to physical risks of various types.

The amounts claimed in relation to such events and, if such claims against Shell were successful, the costs of implementing the remedies sought in the various cases could be substantial. Based on information available to date and taking into account that in some cases it is not practicable to estimate the possible magnitude or timing of any resultant payments, management believes that the foregoing are not expected to have a material adverse impact on Shell's Consolidated Financial Statements. However, there remains a high degree of uncertainty around these contingencies, as well as their potential effect on future operations, earnings, cash flows and Shell's financial condition.

Costs in respect of decommissioning and restoration obligations are subject to uncertain timing and amount, and are dependent on various factors that are not always within management's control (see Note 25). In certain divestment transactions, liabilities related to decommissioning and restoration are de-recognised upon transfer of these obligations to the buyer. In certain cases, Shell retains a secondary obligation for decommissioning activities, either via reversionary legislation or the issuance of guarantees, in case the primary obligor is not able to meet its obligation. These exposures are actively monitored, and the likelihood of a liability arising in respect of these obligations is not considered probable.

For long-lived manufacturing facilities, where decommissioning would generally be more than 50 years away, while there is a present obligation that has arisen from past events, the amount of the obligation cannot be reliably measured. This is because the settlement dates are indeterminate; and other estimates, such as extremely long-term discount rates for which there is no observable measure, cannot be reliably determined. Consequently, the decommissioning and restoration obligation that exists for such long-lived manufacturing facilities cannot be reliably quantified and is disclosed as a contingent liability. There remains a high degree of uncertainty concerning such obligations and their potential effects on future operations, earnings, cash flows, reputation and Shell's financial condition.

Shell, along with another agricultural chemical pesticide manufacturer and several distributors, has been sued by public and quasi-public water purveyors, water storage districts and private landowners alleging responsibility for groundwater contamination caused by applications of chemical pesticides. There are approximately nine such cases currently pending, four claims made but not yet filed, and an active subpoena for records. These matters assert various theories of strict liability and negligence, seeking to recover actual damages, including drinking well treatment and remediation costs. Most assert claims for punitive damages. Shell continues to vigorously defend these actions. Based on the claims asserted and Shell's history regarding amounts paid to resolve varying actions, management does not expect the outcome of the matters pending at December 31, 2024, to have a material adverse impact on Shell USA. However, there remains a high degree of uncertainty regarding the potential outcome of some of these pending lawsuits, as well as their potential effect on future operations, earnings, cash flows and Shell's financial condition.

In the USA, energy companies (including Shell), industry associations, and others have been named in several matters alleging responsibility for the impacts of climate change due to the use of fossil fuels. These matters assert various theories of liability for a wide variety of harms, including but not limited to, impacts to public and private infrastructure, natural resources, and public health and services. As of December 31, 2024, 31 lawsuits naming Shell as a defendant were pending.

In the Netherlands, in a case against Shell brought by a group of environmental non-governmental organisations and individual claimants (referred to herein as "Milieudefensie"), the Hague District Court in 2021 found that while Shell was not acting unlawfully, Shell had the obligation to reduce the aggregate annual volume of CO2 emissions of Shell operations and energy-carrying products sold across Scope 1, 2 and 3 by 45% (net) by the end of 2030 relative to its 2019 emissions levels. For Scopes 2 and 3, this was a significant best-efforts obligation. Shell appealed that ruling. On November 12, 2024, the Hague Court of Appeal upheld Shell's appeal and dismissed the claim against Shell. In doing so, the Court of Appeal annulled the earlier judgment of the District Court in its entirety with immediate effect. On February 11, 2025, Milieudefensie filed an appeal to the Supreme Court of the Netherlands.

Since 1963, NAM – a joint venture between Shell and ExxonMobil (50%:50%) – has been producing gas from the Groningen field, the largest gas field in Western Europe. After smaller tremors in the 1990s and the late 2000s, an earthquake measuring 3.6 on the Richter scale occurred in 2012, causing damage to properties in the affected area. NAM has successfully settled close to 80,000 claims for physical damage to property. The Dutch State has taken over the damage-claim-handling from NAM for all claim categories, and the strengthening operation in the region, while NAM remains financially responsible insofar as the costs corresponded to NAM's liability. In 2022, NAM started arbitrations with the Dutch government to have its financial liability determined for costs which the Dutch government compensated to claimants and subsequently charged to NAM. These claims include but are not limited to physical damage to property, housing value loss, emotional damage, and loss of living enjoyment. Arbitral awards in the strengthening and damages arbitrations are expected to be rendered in March and Summer 2025 respectively.

Shell is seeking to reach a final, all-encompassing settlement with the Dutch government on the new design of the Dutch "Gasgebouw" earthquake costs and the wind-down of natural gas production in Groningen. Shell, ExxonMobil and the Dutch government reached agreements in 2018 (Heads of Agreement) and 2019 (Interim Agreement) and subsequently have been engaged in discussions on the interpretation and implementation of these agreements and on a final and all-encompassing settlement. As these discussions have not led to such a settlement, in December 2023, the NAM shareholders asked an independent arbitration panel to rule on the interpretation and implementation of the agreements made in 2018/2019. The purpose of this arbitration is for a neutral third party to assess the situation and provide clarity. The arbitration is expected to take several years, and the judgement will be binding. The arbitration does not preclude a final and all-encompassing settlement, provided Shell, ExxonMobil and the Dutch government agree to pursue such a settlement.

Shell has several matters in dispute involving the Republic of Kazakhstan. One litigation matter involving a Shell NOV relates to a Sulphur permitting inspection outcome. An unfavourable ruling was issued by the Administrative Collegium of Astana City Court in February 2024. The Shell NOV filed an appeal in March 2024 to the Kazakhstan Supreme Court which is pending.

At this time, it is not possible to reliably estimate the magnitude and timing of any possible obligations or payments in respect of the matters above or whether any payments will be due. There remains a high degree of uncertainty regarding the ultimate outcomes, as well as the potential effect on future operations, earnings, cash flows and Shell's financial condition.

Shell (in its capacity as previous owner of SPDC) and various subsidiaries and associates operating in Nigeria are parties to various environmental, non-environmental and contractual disputes brought in the courts of Nigeria, the USA and England. These disputes are at different stages in arbitration and litigation, including at the appellate stage, where judgements have been rendered against Shell entities in some of these disputes. If taken at face value, the aggregate amount of these judgements could be seen as material. Management, however, believes that the outcomes of these disputes, once determined, will be favourable to Shell. However, there remains a high degree of uncertainty regarding these cases, as well as their potential effect on future operations, earnings, cash flows and Shell's financial condition.

In March 2017, criminal charges alleging official corruption and conspiracy to commit official corruption were filed against SNEPCO, one then current now former Shell employee and third parties including ENI SpA and one of its subsidiaries. Those charges were struck out for want of diligent prosecution and the proceedings have been dismissed. However, they can be refiled. In March 2017, parties alleging to be shareholders of Malabu Oil and Gas Company Ltd. (Malabu) filed two actions to challenge the 2011 settlement of litigation pertaining to Oil Prospecting Licence 245 (OPL 245) with regard to potential anti-bribery, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering laws and the award of OPL 245 to SNEPCO and an ENI SpA subsidiary by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Both actions are currently stayed awaiting the outcome of appeals filed against procedural decisions. Those appeal proceedings are ongoing. On May 8, 2018, Human Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) sought permission from the Federal High Court of Nigeria to apply for an order to direct the Attorney General of the Federation to revoke OPL 245 on grounds that the entire Malabu transaction in relation to the OPL is unconstitutional, illegal and void as it was obtained through fraudulent and corrupt practice. On July 3, 2019, the Nigerian Federal High Court upheld objections from SNEPCO and NAE and struck the lawsuit filed by HEDA. The suit was struck because of the statute of limitations and lack of jurisdiction to hear the matter. HEDA has appealed the judgement, which is ongoing.

On July 21, 2022, the Dutch Public Prosecutor's office announced it had dismissed its investigation into bribery allegations related to OPL 245. On October 24, 2022, Re:Common, HEDA and The Corner House announced that they filed a complaint at the Court of Appeal in The Hague, pursuant to Article 12 of the Dutch Code for Criminal Procedure, challenging the decision by the Dutch Public Prosecutor to dismiss its investigation. On March 20, 2025, the Court of Appeal in The Hague dismissed this complaint. There remains a high degree of uncertainty around the OPL 245 matters and contingencies discussed above, as well as their potential effect on future operations, earnings, cash flows and Shell's financial condition. Accordingly, at this time, it is not possible to reliably estimate the possible obligations and timing of any payments. Any violation of anti-bribery, anti-corruption or anti-money laundering legislation could have a material adverse effect on Shell plc's earnings, cash flows and financial condition.

On October 2, 2024, the Russian prosecutor filed a Moscow court claim against eight Shell-group entities (including Shell plc and Shell Energy Europe Limited ("SEEL")). The prosecutor seeks (i) declarations that Shell illegally abandoned in support of Sakhalin Energy Investment Company ("Sakhalin"); (ii) monetary relief of approximately €1.5 billion from SEEL to Gazprom Export ("GPE") for alleged unpaid gas deliveries in 2022; and (iii) a declaration that GPE can take 94₽ billion purportedly set aside for Shell for Sakhalin equity compensation from a Type-C account to net off against part of the alleged debt owed by SEEL to GPE. On January 30, 2025, SEEL filed a written postponement motion in the Moscow court proceedings regarding SEEL's non-payment of GPE gas invoices and Sakhalin. At a court hearing on February 14, 2025, the judge postponed the proceedings until the next hearing, which is scheduled for April 14, 2025.