Oil groups face rise in threats to security
International terrorism, corruption and political unrest are threatening oil operations in many countries, an
executive with the Shell oil group was quoted as saying.
Ian McCredie, head of Global Security Services at Shell International, said the growing risks had forced Royal Dutch
Shell to make its own security arrangements in "hostile environments."
McCredie pointed to 14 oil-producing regions where local security forces were judged to be "largely ineffective." Oil
companies face growing security risks as they move into more unstable parts of the world in search of
resources.
Company managers must deal with kidnappings and guerrilla movements in Latin America and Africa, as well as the
threat of terrorist attacks in the Middle East.
In Russia, Shell is having to increase its IT security because of the threat of industrial espionage from local oil
companies and the activities of corrupt officials.
The risks have led to a booming industry in private security companies to protect oil production in places where
local security forces are seen as inadequate.
