Greenpeace Activists Protest Chevron Site in Eastern Romania

Greenpeace activists formed a human chain around Chevron’s shale gas exploration well in Eastern Romania on Sunday. According to reports, they continued their protests into Monday, with some chaining themselves to the gates of the exploration well in the village of Pungesti. 

‘Twenty-five Greenpeace activists from seven countries (Romania, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Germany) have protested peacefully and announced a quarantine zone,’ reads a note published by Greenpeace Romania on Sunday.

Chevron commenced drilling its first shale gas exploration well in Romania back in May. 

Earlier plans to proceed with exploration for the unconventional gas saw protests and the occupation and blockage of a drilling site that saw Chevron twice suspends its plans in Eastern Romania.

The activists intend to continue their protests in order to put pressure on the government to ban fracking. At the moment, 11 local councils in the Vaslui County (Alexandru Vlahuțã, Bãcani, Coroiești, Dumești, Gherghești, Pochidia, Perieni, Pogana, Puiești, Tutova and Vindere) have decided to ban shale gas exploration. 

Chevron has been awarded three licences in Eastern Romania.