LONDON, Nov 2 — British energy giant Shell today said net profit rose 4.5 per cent to US$7 billion (RM33 billion) in the third quarter from a year earlier, as it benefits from high oil prices.

"Shell delivered another quarter of strong operational and financial performance, capturing opportunities in volatile commodity markets,” chief executive Wael Sawan said in a statement.

"We continue to simplify our portfolio while delivering more value with less emissions,” he added in an earnings statement.

Energy majors are benefiting from elevated oil prices, which are being fuelled by concerns the Israel-Hamas conflict could widen across the crude-rich Middle East.

Shell also announced a fresh buyback of shares worth US$3.5 billion.

Adjusted earnings in the third quarter stood at US$6.2 billion, up compared with the second quarter, on "robust operational performance and higher oil prices and refining margins”.

Over the first nine months of 2023 Shell’s profit was however down sharply, reflecting lower oil prices year-on-year.

Crude futures had soared at the start of 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine by major oil producer Russia.

After later falling somewhat, they are once more on the rise owing to fears of escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict. — AFP