Energy, EU – Baltic States, Gas, Lithuania

"I was assured that Chevron has started active cooperation with the local residents and will continue it further," said Butkevicius in the interview with the national radio LRT.

According to Butkevicius, his position remains the same - primarily, the consensus with the local communities must be reached.

"This consensus of the local communities is an integral part of the environmental impact assessment. The assessment provides that the date of the presentation of future projects to local communities must be announced and local residents must be informed about that date. If they do not approve of exploration, then it cannot be started," said the head of the Cabinet.

As reported, only one company expressed willingness to look for shale gas in Taurage-Silute region in the beginning of 2013. It was US-based company Chevron.

Local communities are strongly against the shale gas exploration and extraction plans and have organized few rallies in Vilnius.