The European Commission wants to force fossil fuel firms that have pocketed gains from soaring energy prices to make a financial contribution to help citizens and industries grappling with sky-high bills, a draft document seen by Reuters showed.
The proposal, details of which are expected to be unveiled by Brussels this week, would see European Union countries introduce a "solidarity contribution" for companies that have reported bumper profits from selling fossil fuels this year.
"The solidarity contributions are justified by the fact that such companies make unpredictable surplus profits," the draft said. A rapid recovery in demand following the pandemic and a surge in oil and gas prices driven by Russia's invasion of Ukraine have boosted profits for energy companies this year.
"We acknowledge the need for concerted policy and other action to alleviate the energy price crisis in Europe and elsewhere. We're aware of the EU proposal for a ‘solidarity contribution’ and await further details from the Commission," a Shell spokesperson said.
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