London - Oil giant British Petroleum (BP) Tuesday reported a 23-per-cent rise in half-yearly pre-tax profits to 6.75 billion pounds (13.44 billion dollars), the company said in London.

The results to the end of June were driven by the rocketing cost of crude oil over the period and rising energy prices.

The BP figures are likely to increase public anger in Britain at spiralling fuel and energy costs, and enhance calls by trade union leaders for a windfall tax on leading oil companies. (dpa)