Shell Spills Less But Bribery Rises Again

Royal Dutch/Shell, Europe’s second-largest oil company, has reported fewer oil spills and worker deaths, no change in greenhouse gas emissions and a rise in bribes in an assessment of its corporate responsibility.

The company, which operates in 140 countries, spilled 6 600 tons of liquids in 2004, down from 6 700 tons in 2003. US offshore pipelines damaged by Hurricane Ivan spilled 1 500 tons alone, making it overshoot its target of 6 100 tons.