Parliament imposes permanent ban on the exploration and extraction of shale gas using the “fracking” technique

The Bulgarian parliament imposed indefinite ban on the exploration and extraction of shale gas using the hydraulic fracturing (fracking) technology or similar techniques.

The adopted texts ban the extraction of shale gas, as well as exploratory drilling for gas and oil using the disputable technology. The use of all similar methods will be brought to a stop and a fine of BGN 100 million will be imposed on all infringers. Companies, which have already been granted shale gas prospecting and extraction permits using this method, will have three months to submit their revised working projects so that they do not include the use of the prohibited methods.