An internal audit committee reported that 4.85 billion barrels would be downgraded from its reserves estimates, an increase on the last figure of 4.14 billion barrels which was an increase again on the original downgraded estimates – 3.9 billion barrels.

Unlike Watts and van de Vijver, however, Boynton will resign her position but is reported to be staying on with Shell, but it was not known in what capacity.

It is not sure if more senior executives will fall but, in a statement to the Dutch Stock Exchange, Shell said, “The [company’s] non-executive directors unanimously support the managers in the Committee of Managing Directors, the senior officials who oversee the company.”

No statement was available from Boynton at press time.