Moscow's flexing of its muscles in the energy sector - which saw state-owned firm Gazprom temporarily cut off gas supplies to neighbouring Ukraine - as well as new rules for the foreign ownership of Russian companies and export tax rises, all have implications for BP.

BBC: Analysis

The suspected offenders could be fined or have their Internet connection cut off for a year by a recently-set up state agency known as HADOPI (the High Authority for the Diffusion of Works and Protection of Internet Rights).

FORBES: France Sends 100,000 Warnings To Illegal Downloaders

Oil prices spiked in 2006, when an oil spill in a BP-operated Alaskan field briefly threatened to cut off half of the state's production for months.

WSJ: Drilling Rules Hit Alaska Pipeline

But paying in-work benefits also creates an incentive for firms to cut wages, as the state's wage top-up will ensure their workers are no worse off.

ECONOMIST: Labour��s wage policy