Shell (SHEL.N) said its fourth-quarter oil trading performance weakened significantly due to falling crude oil prices. In a trading update released on Thursday, Shell said its fourth-quarter oil trading performance “is expected to be significantly lower” than in the previous three months. Shell’s extensive in-house trading business covers crude oil, natural gas, fuels, chemicals, renewable electricity, and carbon credits, dealing not only in its own production but also in third-party supplies. Although the energy giant does not disclose trading division results separately, its performance is closely watched by the market, as it is often a key driver of profitability.