Shell has reported profits of £12.6 billion for the first half of 2026, prompting criticism from the Scottish Greens, who say the figures highlight the need to accelerate the transition away from oil and gas.

The energy giant reported a 70 per cent increase in profits over the first six months of the year, with the company saying higher oil prices during the conflict in Iran contributed to its strongest quarterly performance in four years.

The announcement comes as many households continue to face high energy costs and follows the recent wildfire in the Cairngorms, which destroyed large areas of woodland and prompted a major multi agency emergency response.

Scottish Greens energy spokesperson Kristopher Leask MSP said:

“These blood-stained profits are truly sickening; they have been built on the backs of the lives of those murdered by American military intervention in Iran, the families struggling with energy costs across the UK, and the future of our planet.

“The climate crisis is at our front door; wildfires have torn through the Cairngorms, forcing communities out of their homes and destroying natural habitats for wildlife across the highlands.

“There can be no justification for an energy system that allows this kind of profiteering, especially when so many are suffering.

“With the climate crisis worsening, we don’t have time to waste.

“It’s clearer now than ever that we must end our reliance on oil and gas and transition to renewables, which can create well-paid, secure jobs and lower household energy bills.

“While we see oil and gas companies raking in these massive profits, we have politicians and lobbyists demanding the energy profit levy be scrapped.

“It simply doesn’t make sense to argue that companies making gigantic profits should be paying less tax.

“What we need to see is for these companies and politicians to stop using Scottish workers as political pawns.

“They have the money to properly invest in renewables and sustainable industries which could fuel a green revolution in the North East of Scotland, create tens of thousands of well-paid, secure jobs and cut our carbon emissions.”