Throughout 2012, Romania imposed a de facto moratorium on the practice of hydraulic fracturing (fracking). Although the senate rejected an outright ban in July 2012, operators have nonetheless held back from exploring for unconventional oil and gas reserves, apparently in deference to continued public opposition to fracking. Now, however, the new Romanian government, headed by Prime Minister Victor Ponta, appears to be shifting its position to a more positive stance, according to IHS Global Insight.

Speaking in an interview last month, Ponta stated that "negotiation with the American company Chevron to explore for shale gas remains an area of interest," also referring to two resolutions of the European Parliament as well as to Britain's decision to give the green light to gas exploitation through hydraulic fracturing. This was followed by a more direct statement at the beginning of 2013: "the idea of shale gas exploitation should be treated positively and seriously".

Source: bne