Energy giant BP can extend a test on its capped Macondo oil well in the Gulf of Mexico after determining that nearby seepage is not related to the test, according to a US official.
Top US oil spill figure Thad Allen said the energy company could continue a pressure test at the well, which was capped last week, for another 24 hours.
BP shares took a beating on Monday following news that engineers detected seepage on the ocean floor after the well was capped. The stock recovered in New York after BP and Allen said scientists had determined the seepage was not related to the well.
"We do not believe that is associated with this particular ... test or the Macondo well," Allen told reporters, referring to the seepage detected about 3km from the well.
BP's New York shares dropped more than 6 per cent as investors sold on fears the seepage could signal that the April 20 blowout of the well might have damaged it, causing oil or gas to leak out the sides or possibly breach the seabed. Shares in New York recovered on the news the seepage was unrelated to the well, finishing down just over 3 per cent.
In the test, which began on Thursday, officials are monitoring the pressure in the well to gauge whether it is structurally sound. An intact well would help when a relief well intercepts and tries to plug the leak, but damage could complicate that effort.
