Damages phase of BP gulf spill trial set for Jan

An activist shows a banner against British Petroleum in a protest against the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, in Milan July 27, 2010. BP faces fines of up to US$17bil, an amount more than BP's profit in 2013 of US$13.4bil for the 2010 oil spill - Reuters.

HOUSTON: The high-stakes penalty phase of BP's trial over its role in the 2010 US Gulf of Mexico oil spill will start next January, court officials said on Tuesday, and billions of dollars could be on the line.

Fines under the Clean Water Act could top US$17bil, an amount more than BP's profit in 2013, which after items was US$13.4bil.