Platts: Fears grow over politicization of Polish shale gas sector

Some foreign operators and industry experts involved in Poland's nascent shale natural gas exploration sector are becoming concerned about the politicization of the industry and a tendency to favor domestic state-controlled companies.

Although Poland remains at the forefront of shale gas exploration in Europe there has been a noticeable politicization of the public debate about the industry since last October's parliamentary elections. During the campaign, politicians appeared to be competing to reassure the public that their party could extract the most from potential shale gas production.

Firstly, the main opposition party, the nationalist and populist Law and Justice, proposed introducing a minimum 40% royalty fee on future production and new legislation outlawing "undesired investors" from acquiring companies engaged in shale gas activities.

The pro-shale gas and economically liberal Civic Platform party, which won re-election, is now drafting legislation to regulate the industry in the light of that debate.   MORE