But the sight of a major commodities blue-chip axing its dividend had a mixed effect on some companies in the peer group, amplifying fears that traditionally dependable dividend payers like BHP Billiton (BHP) and Rio Tinto plc (RIO) could be forced to follow suit. The read-across was the worst for companies operating in the commodity where there's no sign of the market coming back into balance: crude oil. Shares in both BP Plc (BP) and Royal Dutch Shell Plc (RDSA) fell to levels close to multi-year lows.