Oil “seepage” not related to BP leak
BP can keep its blown-out Gulf of Mexico well capped for at least another day, after it was determined that nearby seepage was not related to the leak, US officials have said.
Thad Allen said the energy company could continue a pressure test for 24 more hours at the well, which was capped last week, stopping the torrent of oil for the first time in almost three months.
“We do not believe that is associated with this particular … test or the Macondo well,” Allen said referring to the seepage detected about 3km (1.9 miles) from the well.
The spill remains a major political issue and will loom large when British Prime Minister David Cameron meets President Barack Obama in Washington.
BP’s New York shares dropped more than 6 per cent as investors sold on fears the seepage could signal that the 20 April blowout of the well might have damaged it, causing oil or gas to leak out the sides or breach the seabed.
Shares in New York recovered on the news the seepage was unrelated to the well, but ended 3.64 per cent lower at $35.75.