Posts under ‘Windfall Tax’

BBC NEWS

Vast energy firm profits raise fresh questions over windfall tax

By Douglas Fraser: Business and economy editor, Scotland

• Vast profits for BP and Shell have put them in the frontline of a battle over the winners and losers from the energy crisis.
• Extension of the windfall tax is seen by the industry as a way of discouraging further investment.
• Some would prefer to see that discouraged and are dismayed as BP increases spend, while others want taxes to target benefits to shareholders.

BP and Shell get the attention because they’re big, public brands based in Britain. They’re not the only ones making vast amounts of money.

US firm ExxonMobil reported a profit of $56bn (£47bn) for last year. Chevron, also in the US, reported $36bn (£30bn).

Shell had profits of $40bn (£32bn) and BP has weighed in at $28bn (£23bn). All of them have more than doubled profits as the invasion of Ukraine and sanctions on Russia roiled the world’s energy markets.

Equinor (formerly Statoil), based in Norway and the largest supplier of gas to the UK and European Union after Russian gas flow was cut sharply, announced on Wednesday its net profit for the year was $28.7bn (£24bn), up from $8.6bn (£7bn) in 2021. Adjusted operating profits – before tax and removing one-off items – came to $75bn (£62bn). read more

BBC NEWS

Shell reports highest profits in 115 years

Oil and gas giant Shell has reported record annual profits after energy prices surged last year following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

By Simon Jack & Nick Edser: 2 FEB 2023

Profits hit $39.9bn (£32.2bn) in 2022, double last year’s total and the highest in its 115-year history.

Energy firms have seen record earnings since oil and gas prices jumped following the invasion of Ukraine.

It has heaped pressure on firms to pay more tax as households struggle with rising bills.

Opposition parties said Shell’s profits were “outrageous” and the government was letting energy firms “off the hook”. They also called for the planned increase in the energy price cap due in April to be scrapped. read more

EXPRESS

‘Record’ profits likely to spark renewed calls for windfall taxes

Energy giant Shell is set to announce record annual net profits of more than £32.3billion at its results on Thursday, on the back of high gas and oil prices.

By GEOFF HO: 22:01, Sat, Jan 28, 2023 | UPDATED: 22:31, Sat, Jan 28, 2023

The bumper profits expected from Britain’s oil majors is likely to spark renewed calls for windfall taxes.

Howard Cox, founder of campaign group FairFuelUK, said action is needed from the Government to stop oil groups “ripping off motorists” and adding to the cost-of-living crisis.

He added: “In a time of huge inflation, striving so hard in order to fill up your essential car, van, or truck at a Shell garage, you can be comforted you have helped double this global oil
giant’s already mega profits.

“It is even more sickening that forecourts like Costco can sell petrol and diesel so much cheaper, 10p to 20p per litre less than Shell. read more

REUTERS

Shell to ‘evaluate’ 25 bln pound British investments after windfall tax

LONDON, Nov 21 (Reuters) – Shell (SHEL.L) said on Monday it will evaluate plans to spend up to 25 billion pounds in Britain over the next decade following the government’s decision to increase a windfall tax on oil and gas producers.

“We’re going to have to evaluate each project on a case by case basis,” said Shell’s UK country chair David Bunch told the Confederation of British Industry’s annual conference in Birmingham. “When you tax more you’re going to have less disposable income in your pocket, less to invest.” read more

CITYA.M.

Shell: ‘We understand worry for millions – but windfall tax creates uncertainty’

JACK MENDEL and NICHOLAS EARL: FRIDAY 27 MAY 2022

Shell has slammed the government’s windfall tax, saying while it “understands the worry for million” about the cost of living it will creates “uncertainty” about investment.

This follows Chancellor Rishi Sunak announcing a so-called Energy Profits Levy, a 25 per cent surcharge on North Sea oil and gas sector profits, which could last for up to three years.

The Treasury expects the tax will raise around £5bn over the next 12 months – which will help fund a £15bn package to save the country’s most vulnerable households £1,200 this year.

After BP said the tax may force it to reconsider its UK investment plans, Shell is the latest energy giant to come out against the levy.

A spokesperson told City A.M. : “We understand the worry for millions of people about how high energy costs are challenging their household budgets – and the need for support to help make ends meet.” read more