Shell annual profits double to $18.6bn

Energy giant Shell has released its full year results, showing a profit of just over $18.6bn (£11.5bn), a rise of 90% on last year.

Yet these good numbers are hardly surprising as a barrel of oil is now over $100 - only the second time in history that has ever happened. Prices have risen quickly at 15% compared with the same period last year. As the volatile situation in Egypt continues, worries over the rest of the Middle East has pushed prices even higher.

Holly Pattenden is head of oil and gas analysis at Business Monitor International. She told the BBC Shell's results were good news for those with pensions linked to the company.