BP's penalties for the Gulf of Mexico oil spill could top $20bn if the UK group is found liable for gross negligence, according to the latest estimates of the size of the leak.
US government scientists estimate that 4.9m barrels of oil have gushed from the Macondo well since it ruptured on April 20, killing 11 workers.
The new numbers for the oil leak could play a crucial role in determining how much BP is fined under the Clean Water Act. The estimates will be part of the calculations for potential fines, an official at the department of energy confirmed.
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