BP PLC says it has created a special team to speed up payments to businesses that have submitted claims in the aftermath of the Gulf oil spill.

BP says in a news release Tuesday that change and others are designed to reduce paperwork and expedite payments to "businesspeople who are suffering."

BP says it processed about 2,600 business claims in the past three days totaling $9 million.

BP is encouraging businesses that need cash urgently to contact their adjuster or BP so the claim can be referred to the Immediate Action Claims Team.

Decisions on whether to award payments will still be made judging by documentation.