BP Amoco's bid to create the world's largest non-state oil producer hangs in the balance as a rumbling disagreement with US antitrust officials burst into the open. The British oil giant confirmed what Washington sources have been saying for several weeks, that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) does not like its $26.8 billion (€26.1 billion) bid to buy Atlantic Richfield Co and has rejected concessions offered.

As a result, BP Amoco and Atlantic Richfield have decided to force the FTC's hand, triggering a 20-day regulatory period during which the US body must decide to accept the deal or go to court.