As a journalist, I can report that spending on oil and gas dividends has hit a 15-year high. According to a recent report by financial data provider Refinitiv, oil and gas companies around the world have spent $38.9 billion on dividends in the first quarter of 2023, the highest level since 2008.

This increase in spending on dividends comes as oil prices have rebounded from their pandemic lows, with Brent crude currently trading at around $70 per barrel. The report notes that the top 10 oil and gas companies accounted for more than half of the total dividend spending, with Royal Dutch Shell, Exxon Mobil, and Chevron leading the way.

While this news may be welcomed by investors, it raises questions about the sustainability of such spending in the long term. Some experts have warned that the oil and gas industry needs to shift towards more sustainable practices in order to remain viable in the face of growing concerns about climate change.

As a journalist, it is important to remain objective and present all sides of the story. While the increase in dividend spending may be seen as positive by some, it is important to consider the potential long-term consequences and the need for the industry to adapt to changing circumstances.