11:17 PM EDT, 07/19/2026 (MT Newswires) -- (Updates to add Shell statement) Shell (SHEL.L, SHELL.AS) launched the tender process for a drilling services contract linked to the Dragon offshore gas project in eastern Venezuela, Reuters reported Tuesday, citing two people familiar with the process. The energy giant is expected to award the contract by the end of September 2026, with the drilling of four wells targeted to begin in the second quarter of 2027, according to the report. The contract is reportedly subject to a positive final investment decision for the project. In an emailed statement to MT Newswires, Shell said it continues to develop the Dragon project "in full compliance with applicable laws, regulations and sanctions." (Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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