Yatseniuk initiates investigation into issuance of special permits for seven large shelf deposits bypassing auctions
Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatseniuk has initiated an official investigation in the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and the State Service of Geology and Mineral Resources to investigate the preparation for the issuance of special permits for seven oil and gas deposits on the Black Sea shelf (near Odesa) to two related companies, namely Chornomorgeoresurs LLC and Chornomorzakhidinvest LLC, which bypassed auctions.
"To start an official investigation in the State Service of Geology and Mineral Resources regarding the registration of these licenses: whether they were issued and who made relevant documents. To start an internal investigation in the Ministry of Environment: someone from the management made the decision to establish a joint venture and issue licenses. Also invite Nadra Ukrainy: clarify who offered them such a wonderful business scheme," he said at a government session.
Yatseniuk said that someone tried to formalize special permits for seven oil and gas deposits to bypass auctions using some legal loopholes.
"Obtaining these licenses was clearly made at a very well thought-out legal scheme. We have gaps in the legislation in terms that auctions for obtaining licenses can be bypassed and these licenses can be issued without auctions if there is a state share. For instance, 25% as it was in this scheme," he said.
