British energy company Shell said its profits increased by 19 percent in the first three months of 2026. The company earned $5.69 billion between January and March, compared to $4.78 billion during the same period last year. Shell said the ongoing conflict involving Iran and rising tensions in the Middle East caused oil and gas prices to increase sharply. Chief Executive Wael Sawan said the company performed strongly despite major disruptions in global energy markets. The rise in energy prices comes as fears continue over possible disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, an important global shipping route for oil and gas.