Shell makes major financial moves while expanding gas projects in Venezuela

Shell is taking several significant financial and operational steps. The company announced it will return an additional $3.5 billion to its investors and increase its dividend, even though its profits have continued to fall and it recently missed profit expectations.

At the same time, Shell is moving ahead with a major natural gas project in Venezuela. The company says recent U.S. sanctions relief, in the form of general licenses, will allow it to progress with the Dragon gas project there. Shell's chief executive also stated the company will consider further fossil fuel investment in Venezuela.