CEOs criticise European laws on hydraulic fracking
The controversial technology was slammed in Paris at the World Gas Conference
The controversial drilling technology, that boosted US oil and gas production and transformed global energy markets in the process, is making waves again. Chief executives from two of the world’s largest oil companies slammed European laws restricting hydraulic fracking as the global gas industry gathered in Paris for the World Gas Conference. European energy companies have encountered fierce opposition to their plans to produce gas from shale – even in countries which might have welcomed some alternatives to Russian gas, such as Ukraine. There have been reports that some of this is sponsored by producers outside Europe, worried that their market share will fall if the US experience is repea
Also in this section
2 April 2026
Alongside a rapid continued build-out of renewables, China’s latest five-year plan stresses the value of domestic hydrocarbon production for energy security and calls for increased Russian gas imports
2 April 2026
The government is taking important steps to revive domestic production, lift investment and benefit from the geopolitical crisis even if more needs to be done in the longer term
1 April 2026
Golden Pass’s startup offers QatarEnergy a timely boost but may also force a difficult choice between honouring disrupted contracts and capitalising on soaring spot LNG prices
1 April 2026
It is not a case of if or when, but the length and magnitude of economic damage from elevated oil prices
