BP runs into further trouble

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MARK AUSTIN THOMAS: The British oil giant BP has run into further trouble with its US operations. The company is now reported to be under federal investigation for allegedly manipulating the oil and gasoline markets. From London, Stephen Beard has more.

STEPHEN BEARD: Among the allegations is the claim that BP may have used inside information to influence the oil market. According to US press reports the company is also facing a criminal inquiry into gas price manipulation. These are just the latest woes. There’s also a case about propane price fixing and the company has to appear before Congress next week to talk about oil spills in Alaska. BP has certainly fallen foul of US regulators, says Justin Urquart-Stewart of Seven Investment:

JUSTIN URQUART-STEWART: The reason is that you get the spotlight on you. And once that spotlight appears then anything that is seemingly not to be whiter than white is shown up very clearly indeed.

The scrutiny may soon reach the very top of the company. The chief executive Lord Brown has has just been told he must testify in a case against BP following the fatal refinery explosion in Texas last year.

In London, this is Stephen Beard for Marketplace.