The gas and oil sector may have been hit hard by low oil prices in the wake of the pandemic, but many companies are using their muscle to help in efforts against the virus. While much of this includes monetary donations to various charities and other organisations, many oil companies are also contributing directly in tangible ways.
First, staffing levels have been cut dramatically on North Sea installations to help respect social distancing rules, and many maintenance projects have been delayed until it is safe to resume them. UK-based BP, which includes the Castrol lubricant brand, has also redirected ethanol from a Brazilian joint project to be used in disinfectant that will be supplied to healthcare services in the country.
BP is also supplying fuel free of charge to UK emergency services and to some air ambulance charities. Over the channel in France, meanwhile, Total is donating €50 million of fuel vouchers to hospitals in the country. Patrick Pouyanné, CEO and Chairman of Total, said:
“In this period of crisis, Total’s teams remain mobilised to enable French people to make all their necessary travel arrangements. The group has decided to make this practical gesture of support for our hospital staff, who are working to ensure the health of patients.”
In the US, meanwhile, ExxonMobil has been seeking to relieve the shortage of personal protection equipment by working alongside the Global Centre for Medical Innovation to develop a new reusable mask that can be sterilised and reused with disposable filter cartridges.
