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Shell Eyes Venezuela’s Oil Jackpot: Climate Promises Take Another Holiday

Mar 15th, 2026

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Just when you thought the world’s biggest oil companies might slow down their hunt for new fossil-fuel frontiers, along comes Venezuela — the planet’s largest untapped oil treasure chest — and suddenly climate pledges look suspiciously like optional extras.

According to fresh reports, Chevron and Shell are moving closer to major oil and gas agreements in Venezuela, marking the first large-scale deals since the country’s political upheaval and reopening of its energy sector to foreign investment. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, shellnews.net, and shellwikipedia.com, are owned by John Donovan - more information here. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Perplexity: 20 Global Companies with the Most Controversial Histories (Shell is number 3)

Mar 13th, 2026

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Created by Perplexity: Here is a 20‑company ranking, extending the logic and criteria of the original article (severity, scale, duration, and notoriety of controversies).

Top 20 companies with highly controversial histories

Bayer (Germany) – IG Farben participation, forced labour at Auschwitz-Monowitz, and role in supplying components for Zyklon B during the Nazi era, followed by later pharmaceutical and agrochemical controversies.watchmojo+1

Volkswagen (Germany) – Founded under the Nazi regime, heavy use of forced labour during WWII, and the modern diesel emissions‑cheating scandal affecting millions of vehicles globally.ig+1

Royal Dutch Shell / Shell plc (UK / Netherlands) – Long-running allegations over pollution and human‑rights issues in the Niger Delta, major 2004 reserves overstatement scandal, and historical controversy around Sir Henri Deterding’s interactions with Nazi Germany.royaldutchshellplc+1 read more

COPILOT: 20 Global Companies with the Most Controversial Histories (Shell is number 2)

Mar 13th, 2026

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CREATED BY COPILOT: Here’s a ranked, interpretive “top 20” list of global companies with especially long and controversial histories—environmental damage, human rights, corruption, product harms, and governance scandals. The order is judgment-based, not a formal metric.

Rank	Company (current or successor)	Main areas of controversy
1	ExxonMobil	Climate denial, environmental disasters, lobbying against climate policy
2	Royal Dutch Shell	Oil spills, Niger Delta conflict, climate litigation, alleged human rights complicity
3	Deepwater Horizon spill, safety record, environmental damage
4	Union Carbide / Dow	Bhopal disaster, toxic chemicals, long‑tail liability disputes
5	Monsanto (now part of Bayer)	Glyphosate health claims, GM seeds, Agent Orange legacy, farmer lawsuits
6	Volkswagen Group	Diesel emissions cheating, regulatory deception, environmental impact
7	Meta Platforms (Facebook)	Data privacy, misinformation, mental‑health concerns, content moderation failures
8	Amazon	Labour conditions, union busting, surveillance, antitrust and tax practices
9	Nestlé	Infant formula marketing, water extraction, child labour in cocoa supply chains
10	Philip Morris International / Altria	Tobacco health harms, youth marketing, long history of denial and lobbying
11	Rio Tinto	Indigenous rights violations, mine disasters, environmental damage
12	Glencore	Corruption cases, resource extraction impacts, market manipulation allegations
13	Foxconn (Hon Hai)	Worker suicides, harsh factory conditions, excessive overtime
14	Boeing	737 MAX crashes, safety culture, regulatory capture concerns
15	HSBC	Money‑laundering cases, sanctions breaches, tax‑evasion facilitation
16	Goldman Sachs	Role in 2008 crisis, Abacus deal, 1MDB scandal, conflicts of interest
17	Uber Technologies	Aggressive “growth at all costs” tactics, labour classification, data misuse, “Greyball”
18	Wells Fargo	Fake accounts scandal, sales‑pressure culture, repeated consumer abuses
19	Chevron	Ecuador rainforest pollution case, other environmental and community disputes
20	Samsung Electronics (group context)	Chaebol governance issues, corruption cases, labour and safety controversies

Brief context by company

ExxonMobil: Long‑running accusations that it funded climate‑science denial while its own research showed fossil‑fuel risks; major spills and refinery pollution, plus intense lobbying against climate regulation.

Royal Dutch Shell: Oil spills (notably in the Niger Delta), allegations of complicity in human rights abuses in Nigeria, and prominent climate lawsuits over its emissions trajectory.

BP: The Deepwater Horizon disaster became one of history’s worst marine oil spills, highlighting safety and risk‑management failures; BP has also faced criticism over other spills and its broader environmental footprint.

Union Carbide / Dow: The 1984 Bhopal gas leak in India killed and injured thousands; disputes over compensation, remediation, and responsibility have persisted for decades, now tied to Dow as the corporate successor.

Monsanto (Bayer): Criticised for glyphosate (Roundup) cancer claims, aggressive enforcement of seed patents, GM crops, and the legacy of Agent Orange; it frequently appears on lists of “most infamous” corporations.

Volkswagen Group: “Dieselgate” revealed systematic cheating on emissions tests worldwide, leading to huge fines, recalls, and reputational damage, and it remains a flagship ESG‑controversy case.

Meta Platforms (Facebook): Cambridge Analytica, repeated data‑privacy failures, algorithmic amplification of misinformation and hate, and concerns about mental‑health impacts have made Meta a central ESG and tech‑ethics flashpoint.

Amazon: Criticised for warehouse working conditions, anti‑union tactics, intense productivity surveillance, tax strategies, and market dominance; it features heavily in ESG‑controversy datasets.

Nestlé: Long‑running infant‑formula marketing scandals, accusations of over‑extracting groundwater, and child labour in cocoa supply chains have given Nestlé one of the most persistent reputational shadows.

Philip Morris International / Altria: Tobacco’s health toll, historic denial of smoking risks, youth‑targeted marketing, and lobbying against regulation make these firms emblematic of product‑harm controversies.

Rio Tinto: Criticised for mine‑related environmental damage and for destroying the 46,000‑year‑old Juukan Gorge Aboriginal heritage site in Australia, sparking global outrage over Indigenous rights.

Glencore: Has faced multiple corruption and bribery investigations, sanctions‑related cases, and scrutiny over environmental and social impacts of its mining and trading operations.

Foxconn (Hon Hai): Known for harsh working conditions, excessive overtime, and a cluster of worker suicides at Chinese plants supplying major electronics brands.

Boeing: The 737 MAX crashes exposed serious issues in safety culture, engineering oversight, and regulatory relationships, leading to criminal settlements and ongoing scrutiny.

HSBC: Involved in major money‑laundering and sanctions‑breach cases, including handling funds for drug cartels, and has been repeatedly fined by regulators.

Goldman Sachs: Central to several high‑profile scandals, including its role in the 2008 financial crisis and the 1MDB corruption case, raising questions about conflicts of interest and governance.

Uber Technologies: Built a reputation for “move fast, break rules” tactics: regulatory evasion tools, toxic internal culture, sexual‑harassment scandals, and disputes over driver classification and rights.

Wells Fargo: Created millions of fake customer accounts under extreme sales pressure, then faced further issues around auto‑insurance, mortgages, and governance failures.

Chevron: Best known for the long‑running Ecuador rainforest pollution case and other environmental disputes, plus aggressive legal counter‑campaigns against critics and plaintiffs.

Samsung Electronics (wider Samsung group): Part of a chaebol system repeatedly linked to corruption and political scandals in South Korea, alongside labour and safety controversies in its electronics supply chain.

20 Global Companies with the Most Controversial Histories (Shell is number 11)

Mar 13th, 2026

by admin.

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Created by GROK: The Long Shadow of Industry: 20 Global Companies with the Most Controversial Histories (Independent Research-Based Ranking)

This expanded ranking follows the exact same criteria as my previous top-10 list (and the referenced article): documented human-rights abuses, environmental devastation, measurable scale of harm (deaths, long-term health impacts, displaced/affected populations, ecological/economic costs), and enduring legacy. It draws exclusively from cross-verified court records, official reports (Amnesty International, EPA, science panels), journalistic investigations, declassified documents, and historical scholarship. Where companies have issued apologies, paid reparations, funded memorials, or reformed practices, this is explicitly noted. Many legacies involve complex geopolitical contexts or government contracts, but the focus remains on corporate decisions and outcomes. read more

The Long Shadow of Industry: 10 Global Companies with the Most Controversial Histories

Mar 12th, 2026

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Below is a historically informed, but inevitably interpretive, list of major companies still operating today whose records include some of the most severe ethical controversies. The ranking considers factors such as human-rights abuses, environmental damage, scale, and duration. I’ve also indicated where companies have formally acknowledged or apologised for past wrongdoing.

The Long Shadow of Corporate Power

From wartime collaboration to environmental disasters, the historical controversies that still follow some of the world’s largest companies.

Large corporations often span generations, and with that longevity comes history — sometimes admirable, sometimes deeply troubling. Some of the world’s most recognisable companies have been connected to events that remain controversial decades later. The following overview highlights ten corporations still in existence whose histories include some of the most debated episodes in modern industrial history. read more

Shell’s Venezuelan Comeback: Big Oil Returns to the World’s Most Sanctioned Oil Patch

Mar 6th, 2026

by John Donovan.

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For years, Venezuela was the oil industry’s forbidden zone — a country with the largest proven oil reserves on Earth but locked behind layers of sanctions, political turmoil and diplomatic brinkmanship.

Now the door is creaking open again.

Recent reporting by Upstream Online and other energy news outlets indicates that Shell has confirmed it is preparing to move forward with Venezuelan energy opportunities, following major shifts in U.S. sanctions policy that now allow international oil companies to negotiate deals with the country’s state oil company, PDVSA. (upstreamonline.com Attachment.tiff ) read more

From Hakluyt to Global Counsel: Shell, Peter Mandelson and the Revolving Door That Won’t Stop Spinning

Feb 24th, 2026

by John Donovan.

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“And when two high-profile political figures linked indirectly to Shell — Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Peter Mandelson — both find themselves arrested on suspicion of misconduct involving sensitive information and Epstein connections, the pattern becomes difficult to dismiss as coincidence. At some point, coincidence begins to look like culture.”

By John Donovan

DISCLAIMER

This article is opinion and commentary only. It is not financial or legal advice. All references to Peter Mandelson’s arrest relate to publicly reported developments as of 24 February 2026. Peter Mandelson denies wrongdoing. Shell plc is not accused in this article of criminal conduct in relation to Mandelson. Readers should consult primary sources and conduct their own research.

There is something almost comforting about the predictability of Britain’s establishment ecosystem.

Politicians leave office. read more

Oil, Envoys & Explosive Optics: Shell’s Royal Miscalculation with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

Feb 23rd, 2026

by John Donovan.

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By John Donovan

DISCLAIMER

This article is opinion and commentary only. It is not financial or legal advice. All allegations referenced regarding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor relate to publicly reported matters as of February 2026. Shell plc is not accused here of criminal wrongdoing in relation to Andrew. Readers should consult primary sources and conduct their own research.

In May 2005, Prince Andrew — now Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor — was ushered through Shell’s Simulation Centre in Abu Dhabi. Cameras flashed. Executives beamed. The Duke of York’s office proudly highlighted his role in promoting British commercial interests abroad. Shell, like other UK multinationals, benefited from proximity to royal soft power. read more

Shell vs Venture Global: When LNG Contracts Meet the Fine Print—and the Missing Emails

Jan 29th, 2026

by admin.

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Shell plc likes to present itself as a disciplined, rules-based operator in global energy markets — a company that respects contracts, arbitration outcomes, and the sanctity of carefully worded legal agreements.

Unless, of course, it loses.

Then the fine print suddenly becomes a battleground, and the missing emails start to matter a great deal.

From ‘Binding Arbitration’ to ‘Let’s See the Emails’

Shell’s long-running dispute with U.S. LNG producer Venture Global was supposed to end neatly with arbitration. In August 2025, it did — and not in Shell’s favour. read more

Profile of Shell’s nightmare, John Donovan, extracted from Amazon

Jan 26th, 2026

by John Donovan.

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Profile of John Donovan extracted from Amazon where his Shell focussed books have been sold for many years despite threats from Shell lawyers.

In 1979, John Donovan was the co-founder of a sales promotion company, Don Marketing, which created promotional games for blue chip clients such as BP. read more

ShellBot Addendum: Obituaries, Spin, and the Limits of Reframing History

Jan 10th, 2026

by John Donovan.

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ShellBot Afterlife Dialogue Log

Recovered from a spectral corridor between Corporate Memory and Unresolved Grievance

“Sir Henri Deterding Meets Alfred Donovan”

[Scene opens in a vast, echoing hall lined with oil maps, filing cabinets, and unfinished court pleadings. A faint smell of crude oil and printer toner hangs in the air.]

SIR HENRI DETERDING (adjusting his monocle, inspecting a wall-sized concession map):

I knew they’d get rid of the maps eventually. Empires rot the moment they replace geography with slogans.

ALFRED DONOVAN (lighting an ethereal cigarette, unimpressed): read more

Grok’s Story of Donovan, Shell, and “Undercover Activity”

Jan 1st, 2026

by admin.

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Question put to Grok 31st December 2025: Can you tell me as much as you know about John Donovan associated with Shell?

John Donovan: Overview

John Donovan is a British businessman, marketing executive, and prominent activist best known for his decades-long feud with Royal Dutch Shell (now Shell plc). Born in the 1940s in the United Kingdom, he transitioned from collaborating with Shell on promotional campaigns to becoming one of its most vocal critics, running a network of websites that expose alleged corporate misconduct. His story is often framed as a “David vs. Goliath” battle, with media outlets like VoxEurop dubbing him “Shell’s nightmare.” Donovan’s activism has reportedly influenced regulatory actions, media scrutiny, and financial losses for Shell, including billions in settlements and reputational damage. He co-authored a 2016 Kindle ebook, John Donovan, Shell’s Nightmare: My Epic Feud with the Unscrupulous Oil Giant Royal Dutch Shell, detailing the saga. read more

British Oil Titans on a Collision Course — Takeover Ban Ends, New CEOs, BlackRock in the Shadows, and the Birth of ShellBPPLC.com

Dec 21st, 2025

by admin.

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Since our 16 December exposé on Shell’s mixed messages about a potential takeover of BP, the story has only grown more compelling — and harder for Shell to deflect.

Ban Lifted, Rumours Reignite

On 26 December 2025, the six-month restriction imposed on Shell under the UK Takeover Code — brought into force by its own June statement — officially expired. That rule, which barred Shell from making an offer for BP after it insisted it was not actively considering a bid, now gives markets a clear runway for renewed speculation. read more

Shell Caught in Its Own Web of Denials — What the Gut Resignation Really Reveals

Dec 16th, 2025

by admin.

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“…when that resignation reveals a disconnect between public denials and private possibilities, the issue becomes one of corporate governance and market integrity.”

On 26 June 2025, Shell plc issued a brief, carefully worded statement denying any active consideration of a takeover bid for its long-time rival BP plc, asserting that “no talks have taken place,” and that the company was not “actively considering making an offer.” Shell went further, invoking the UK City Code to effectively bar itself from approaching BP for six months under takeover restrictions.

Today’s news exposes that statement for what it was: a strategic smokescreen, not a transparent clarification. read more

ShellBot™ Explains Why Shell and BP Are a Match Made in Heaven

Dec 16th, 2025

by admin.

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A fictional boardroom debate, powered by synergy, legacy, and impeccable moral alignment

Disclaimer: This is a satirical opinion piece. Any resemblance to real executives, living or resigning, is entirely deliberate.

ShellBot™:

Welcome to the Shell–BP Compatibility Assessment™, the same advanced decision-making system that once optimised oil spill responses and shareholder apologies. Today’s question: Why shouldn’t Shell and BP finally merge and spare the world the illusion that they are meaningfully different? read more

Shell M&A Chief Resigns After Push to Acquire BP Is Blocked by CEO

Dec 16th, 2025

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By John Donovan

In a significant development at one of the world’s largest energy firms, Shell’s head of mergers and acquisitions, Greg Gut, has resigned following internal opposition to a proposal to take over rival oil major BP. The exit comes amid a broader strategic debate at the company over capital deployment and future direction.

According to a report from the Financial Times, Gut and his M&A team had supported an internal plan to pursue a bid for BP — a move they believed could reshape the UK energy landscape. Shell’s chair, Sir Andrew Mackenzie, was reportedly open to the idea. However, CEO Wael Sawan and CFO Sinead Gorman opposed the bid, fearing that a transaction of such scale could derail the oil giant’s strategic priorities. read more

30 November 2023: Posted by John Donovan

The content below is sourced from current verifiable customer reviews of Shell Energy published on Trustpilot.
Extremely slow broadband for 10 months, not fixed. I have had slow broadband well below the guaranteed speed for 10 months and Shell Energy have not been able to fix it. They have tried sending about 4 or 5 engineers but have not fixed the problem. Gurps, who I have been dealing with most recently, has been friendly and polite, alth… Read more

Extremely Slow Shell Broadband

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Created by Perplexity: Here is a 20‑company ranking, extending the logic and criteria of the original article (severity, scale, duration, and notoriety of controversies).

Top 20 companies with highly controversial histories

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Brief context by company

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Created by GROK: The Long Shadow of Industry: 20 Global Companies with the Most Controversial Histories (Independent Research-Based Ranking)

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The Long Shadow of Corporate Power

From wartime collaboration to environmental disasters, the historical controversies that still follow some of the world’s largest companies.

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DISCLAIMER

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DISCLAIMER

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From ‘Binding Arbitration’ to ‘Let’s See the Emails’

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ShellBot Afterlife Dialogue Log

“Sir Henri Deterding Meets Alfred Donovan”

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John Donovan: Overview

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Ban Lifted, Rumours Reignite

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“…when that resignation reveals a disconnect between public denials and private possibilities, the issue becomes one of corporate governance and market integrity.”

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Sir Henri Deterding, resurrected!

JOE LYCETT DISCUSSES SHELL WITH JOHN DONOVAN

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