BP exec disputes higher spill rate estimates

A senior BP executive on Friday disputed a news report that the amount of oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico is more than 10 times higher than earlier estimates, calling it “scare-mongering.”

National Public Radio — citing outside experts who reviewed video BP released Wednesday — is reporting that 70,000 barrels per day might be pouring out of BP’s damaged undersea well, far more than a federal and industry estimate of 5,000 barrels a day.

But Robert Dudley, BP’s managing director, told MSNBC on Friday that the 70,000 barrel figure “feels like a little exaggeration, a little bit of scare-mongering.” He reiterated the company’s view that it is impossible to gauge the amount of leaking oil accurately, but noted, “Five thousand [barrels] is a good estimate.”

President Barack Obama — in remarks that harshly criticized the companies involved in the spill — on Friday noted the uncertainty about the size of the leak.

“I know there have been varying reports over the last few days about how large the leak is, but since no one can get down there in person, we know there is a level of uncertainty. But as Adm. Thad Allen said today, our mobilization and response efforts have always been geared toward the possibility of a catastrophic event,” Obama said.

Allen is leading the federal response to the spill.