US firms interested in shale gas extraction in Lithuania, says PM

US firms are interested in exploring the possibility of extracting shale gas from Lithuania, Prime Minsiter Algirdas Butkevicius has said.

"Yes, I even have letters from some of these companies from the US. They intend to come for talks," he said on Tuesday morning on the national radio.

Butkevičius' government has pledged to put in place necessary legislation and announce a call for tenders from interested companies.

"I cannot promise to these companies to create conditions for their exploration and extraction operations. But I can promise to make sure that all laws related to shale gas exploration and extraction are passed this year and invitations to a public international tender are sent out," he said.

The prime minister talked to potential investors in early October during his official visit to the United States, ELTA reports. 

(Edited by Rayyan Sabet-Parry)