Exxon Mobil, the largest oil company in the United States, posted first-half profits of $23,330 million, more than three times as much as in the same period in 2021 and a new record.

Between January and June, Exxon Mobil earned $206,181 million, up $62% from a year earlier, which is due to high oil and gas prices and increased production.

In the second quarter, the period most followed by the markets, the Irving (Texas) based company had a net income of $17,850 million, four times more than in the same period of the previous year.

In those three months, Exxon Mobil earned $115,681 million.

The last quarter's accounts also include a positive impact of nearly $300 million from the sale of some assets, the company explained in a statement.

The huge profits of the oil companies are in the sights of the US government, faced with runaway inflation largely linked to rising fuel prices.

Last June, US President Joe Biden publicly criticized Exxon and accused the oil company of keeping gasoline production low to benefit from high prices.

In the most recent quarter, Exxon's oil production increased by about 4%, the company indicated. (Lusa)