Groceries Prove a Pandemic Bright Spot for BP and Shell Groceries Prove a Pandemic Bright Spot for BP and Shell Oil majors bet offering more fresh food and services at gas-station stores can help offset declining oil income published : 19 Jan 2021 at 04:00 Customers are served in a 'Deli by Shell' store in Kemerovo, Russia. BLOOMBERG Coffee and groceries are becoming a bigger part of BP PLC and Royal Dutch Shell PLC's bottom line. Gas stations have emerged as one of the most profitable parts of the major oil companies' sprawling operations during the pandemic, with higher spending on food and drink offsetting weaker demand for fuel.