The accident in the Gulf of Mexico could push oil prices

International rating agency Fitch downgraded the long-term issuer default rating of the British oil company BP to "AA +" to "AA", rating outlook - negative. This is stated in yesterday's report from Agence France-Presse. Rating downgrades because of ecological disaster in the Gulf of Mexico caused by the leakage of oil from wells BP. Recall that BP managed platform Deepwater Horizon sank off the coast of Louisiana on April 22 after a 36-hour fire that followed the powerful explosion. Oil spill, which started after him, has caused damage to the state of Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and the region faces an environmental disaster. Last week the U.S. government estimated the size of the leak in the 12-19 thousand barrels per day. Leak has spread to 161 kilometers of the Gulf Coast. "Risks to the business and financial performance of BP continued to increase after the development of the incident on the Deepwater Horizon platform in the Gulf of Mexico", - quotes agency post Fitch. "Until now, the company repeatedly failed attempts to stop the leakage of oil, but instead turned to methods for the collection of oil" - the report said Fitch. In addition, the agency warns that a formal investigation into the incident, which was begun by the U.S. government this week may also have a negative impact on the company's rating. "BP continues to face significant additional risks due to oil spill" - experts stress Fitch. "Factors that may lead to possible further downgrade BP, including include the actual increase in leakage, failed attempts to drill additional wells (...) and activities to clean up the surrounding area, which in the worst estimates, Fitch may be estimated at approximately 5 billion dollars ", - experts said the agency. According to Russian Minister of Natural Resources Yuri Trutnev, the accident in the Gulf of Mexico will affect the intensity of the development of offshore fields, as well as the development strategy of the oil industry, said. "Very strong impact on the industry, because such lessons for humanity without a trace does not pass, and it will definitely be a change in strategy in the oil industry will change in relation to these issues will be more emphasis will be more to ask for compliance with all rules and regulations, more will be think about the mechanisms guaranteeing the damage, so in this regard are clear and there will be changes in the market for sure, "- he said, RIA Novosti, when asked about the impact of the situation on the oil industry in the situation in the Gulf of Mexico. The Minister noted that it is difficult to predict how serious the consequences. "Predicting them now as they will be global, will or will not lead to a shortage of some kind and, accordingly, raise oil prices (hard - ed).. To some extent, I think so. To some extent I think that in any case it will happen "- he said. Trutnev also said that the accident will affect the intensity of the development of offshore fields. "All the offshore fields will be developed with greater caution, more accurately, because in this example, all saw how much more vulnerable marine environment and how much more impact. On land, too, not just once or twice happening emissions, but on land they treat other effects" - concluded the Minister.