BP has said that seepage near its Gulf of Mexico well is unrelated to the massive oil leak that has at least temporarily been capped.
The energy company has now been given permission, by the top US oil spill official, to extend its key pressure test on its capped Macondo well for another 24 hours.
'Scientists have concluded that the seep was naturally occurring', BP spokesman Mark Proegler said.
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Investors had feared that seepage could signal that the 20 April blowout that preceded the leak damaged the wellbore, which could allow oil and gas to leak out the sides and possibly breach the seabed.
Officials are monitoring the pressure in the well to gauge whether it is structurally sound.
An intact well would help when a relief well intercepts and tries to plug the leak, but damage could complicate that effort.
White House energy adviser Carol Browner told CBS that the seepage was found less than 3km from the well.
The worst oil spill in US history has caused an economic and environmental disaster in five states along the Gulf Coast.
It has also hurt President Barack Obama's approval ratings and has complicated traditionally close ties with Britain.
When BP choked off the flow, 1.6km under the water's surface, with a new, tighter cap on Thursday, it was the first time oil had not leaked since the April explosion on an offshore rig which killed 11 workers and triggered the disaster.
Meanwhile, the US government has demanded a written report from BP concerning its plans to manage its leaking oil well in the Gulf of Mexico.
