BP denies Hayward resignation claim

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Russia’s state RIA Novosti news agency is quoting a senior Russian Cabinet official as saying that BP chief executive Tony Hayward is expected to resign, a report BP denied. It quoted deputy prime minister Igor Sechin as saying that Mr Hayward “is leaving his post.” Mr Sechin, who is set to meet with Mr Hayward, said the BP chief would introduce his successor. BP spokeswoman Carolyn Copland in London said the report “is definitely not correct.”
Mr Hayward was to assure officials of BP’s viability and discuss issues related to Russian joint venture TNK-BP, which accounts for about a quarter of BP’s reserves and production.
Mr Hayward, who has faced severe criticism from US President Barack Obama over his handling of the crisis, last week handed over management of the oil spill to another senior manager, Bob Dudley, who is a US national.
Meanwhile, BP on Monday raised the cost so far of its oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico to $2.65 billion, an increase of about $300 million over the weekend.
“The cost of the response to date amounts to approximately $2.65 billion, including the cost of the spill response, containment, relief well drilling, grants to the Gulf states, claims paid, and federal costs,” BP said in a statement.
“It is too early to quantify other potential costs and liabilities associated with the incident,” it added.