~theguardian-world | Bookmarks (3)

Authorities to launch inquiry into allegations of mismanagement at country’s national oil corporationLibyan authorities have said they will investigate allegations of wholesale mismanagement in the country’s National Oil Corporation, with officials telling the Guardian rampant smuggling is helping to fuel the civil war in Sudan.Mohamed al-Menfi, the chair of the presidential council, will launch an inquiry this week, t he scope of which is...

Plan to raise shareholder payouts by 4% follows surprise $7.3bn profit in final quarter despite fall in gas pricesShell will raise its shareholder dividends by 4% this year despite a 30% fall in its full-year profits to $28.3bn (£22.37bn) for 2023 as global oil and gas market prices began to ease.The oil company handed its shareholders $23bn in payouts last year, and plans to...

Brent crude is up 1.7% to $78.32 a barrel as hopes of strong demand in China also push up pricesBusiness live – latest updatesOil prices have risen sharply after Iran rejected calls to end support for attacks by Houthi rebels on vessels in the Red Sea and sent a warship to the vital trading route.In the first trading session of the new year, Brent...