China’s key state-run energy companies are in talks with Shell Plc to buy its stake in a major Russian gas export project, according to people with knowledge of the matter. Cnooc , CNPC and Sinopec Group are in joint discussions with Shell over the company’s 27.5% holding in the Sakhalin-2 liquefied natural gas venture after the European firm said it would exit Russian operations following the Ukraine invasion, said the people, who requested anonymity to discuss private details. Discussions are at an early stage and it remains possible no deal will be agreed with the firms, the people said. Shell is also open to talks with other potential buyers outside of China, one of the people said. Shell shares rose as much as 1.3% on the news to 2,236 pence in London on Thursday, while the FTSE 100 Index held steady. Shares were trading 0.4% higher at […]