Energy, Gas, Legislation, Lithuania

"New shale gas exploration tender is necessary and I believe that every modern state wants to know what is inside of its depths and what mineral deposits it has. To my mind, it is an elementary necessity in terms of politics and economy and we will definitely reach this goal," the PM said in an interview to the radio Ziniu Radijas on Thursday.

According to him, the state is currently looking for companies which could get engaged in share gas exploration in Lithuania.

Environment Minister Kestutis Treciokas, meanwhile, is sceptical about announcing a new tender for shale gas exploration. In his opinion, prices of oil and gas currently are very low so Lithuania simply could receive no bidders for gas exploration.

It is thought that Lithuania in its depths could have around 100-120 billion cubic metres of shale gas.