BP shares jumped as much as 10% after the Wall Street Journal reported that rival Shell is in early talks to acquire the British oil company. Shares of BP jumped $3.11, or 10%, to $32.94 in early afternoon trading. U.S.-listed shares of Shell, which is also U.K.-based, meanwhile, slid 3%.

A report suggesting multinational oil company Shell is in early talks to acquire fellow gas giant BP sent shockwaves through Houston's energy industry Tuesday-but Shell is firmly denying any such discussions are underway.

Shell denied that it was in talks to buy BP after the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that the oil major was in early discussions over a takeover of its British rival.