The chief executive of oil giant BP was today accused of being the "biggest fat cat" after it emerged he had received a 58% pay rise.

The salary of Lord Browne increased from £1.9 million in 2000 to just over £3 million last year.

His basic pay rose from £869,000 to £1.2 million but he was also given a performance bonus and expenses.

Lord Browne also received shares worth £2.6 million and 1.2 million share options.

Bill Morris, general secretary of the Transport and General Workers Union, said: "Some fat cats are bigger than others, but this one is clearly the biggest."

Union officials said BP had offered a 3% pay rise this year to workers in its offshore business.

But Sir Robin Nicholson, chairman of BP's remuneration committee, said the company's continued success depended on its ability to attract, motivate and retain world-class executive talent.

Some companies have increased the price of petrol over the past few days and there have been reports of a 20p-a-gallon rise by Easter because of fears of a war with Iraq.

BP has said it is monitoring the situation.