BBC NEWS Business BP accused of price manipulation: "BP is facing legal action in the US over the charge that it tried to manipulate propane prices in 2004.
Regulators allege its BP Products North America subsidy artificially forced up prices by buying up huge propane stocks only to withhold them from the market.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission said the propane had been needed to fuel homes in rural areas.
BP has denied the civil charges and said it intended to defend itself, yet it added that staff had been dismissed.
Staff dismissals
Spokesman for UK-based BP, Ronnie Chappell said 'market manipulation did not occur'.
But he added that following an internal investigation, the firm found that several employees failed 'to adhere to BP policies governing trading activities' and had been dismissed.
'We have also taken steps to strengthen the supervision of our trading activities,' he added.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission alleges that the market manipulation was carried out 'with the knowledge, advice and consent of senior management' at BP Products North America. "