Shell company directors earned enough in 2021 to pay 390 nurses, as firm sees record profits

A look at those leading the oil and gas firm as it enjoys the largest profits in its 115-year-history

Shell has recorded its highest-ever profits, as Russia’s war in Ukraine saw the fossil fuel giant’s top line soar by 53 per cent to £68.1bn last year.

The profits are the highest in the oil and gas firm’s 115-year history and come in the midst of a cost of living crisis, prompting increased calls in the UK for a tighter windfall tax – as Rishi Sunak’s government was accused of letting fossil fuel giants “off the hook” by failing to target the “proceeds of war”.

Earnings adjusted for taxes also doubled to £32.2bn, while analysis by the group Common Wealth, shared with The Independent, suggested that, over the first three quarters of 2022, Shell paid its shareholders 1.2 times as much they invested overall.