Shell has denied a report in the Wall Street Journal saying it was in early talks to acquire BP, a long whispered move that could boost Shell’s ability to compete with Exxon Mobil and Chevron at a time when tariff policies and intensifying global conflicts add uncertainty to the energy landscape.

The news tore through the oil industry, as a merger between the two oil supermajors would likely be the largest since the $83 billion merger between the Exxon and Mobil that birthed Exxon Mobil in 1999.

"This is further market speculation. No talks are taking place," a Shell spokesperson said. "As we have said many times before, we are sharply focused on capturing the value in Shell through continuing to focus on performance, discipline and simplification.”

Despite the denial, industry experts said BP has been on the ropes for years, and the eventual sale of the company wouldn't make for an unrealistic future.

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Souce: Houston Chronicle