ACTMedia: Ponta: I am for shale gas exploration; if we discover deposits, I will be for exploitation in safe conditions

Prime Minister Victor Ponta said, on Friday, March 29, he is for the shale gas exploration, adding that an eventual exploitation might start only in five years time, in compliance with all environmental standards.

'The idea is this: at the moment, for Romania and for all of Europe, the issue of gas price is fundamental. First of all, for the population - the price; but especially for industry, which becomes non-competitive. I saw a news story about one of the largest European companies, which wanted to open two years ago a factory in Romania and opened it instead in the U.S., because there it has shale gas. This gas comes at a quarter of the price. So, I am for exploration, because nothing is to be exploited less than five years. And, if after such exploration, the shale gas could be exploited in Romania in safe conditions for the environment, I will be in favor', said Victor Ponta on Antena 3 TV.  MORE