Alabama says BP denies its claim over oil spill

BP denied the claim because it said there was ongoing litigation but in fact the energy giant was "playing games" with Alabama and other states on the Gulf of Mexico coast, King said in an interview.

"They (BP) said they wouldn't discuss it (the claim) because there is litigation. They are playing games in my opinion. BP is taking advantage of the fact that states are in a budget crisis and they are doing a masterful job," King said.

There was no immediate comment from BP.

King's comments form part of a growing dispute over how states, individuals and businesses in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida should be compensated for losses suffered as a result of the spill.

BP has set up a $20 billion compensation fund administered by lawyer Kenneth Feinberg to handle claims but a plethora of lawsuits have also been filed against the company.