The Dominican Republic has taken it's first steps in trying to purchase 50% of the shares from the Petroleum Refinery (Refidomsa) from the giant multinational Shell.  The Shell representative arrived in the DR at the weekend.  Seven companies have already been pre selected, one of which will determine the value of all assets.  Shell has already started to receive proposals with Propogas offering a staggering US$183 million.  Meanwhile President of the Dominican Republic, Leonel Fernandez has announced that the State will go ahead and purchase the shares.