British energy giant Shell announces a 19-percent increase in net profits for the first quarter as the Middle East war sent oil and gas prices soaring in volatile trading, according to AFP.

Profit after tax increased to $5.69 billion in the January-March period from $4.78 billion in the first quarter of 2025, Shell has said in an earnings statement.

“Shell delivered strong results enabled by our relentless focus on operational performance in a quarter marked by unprecedented disruption in global energy markets,” says chief executive Wael Sawan.