Energy crisis: UK lifts fracking ban

LONDON: The UK government yesterday lifted England’s moratorium on fracking to boost energy output after key supplier Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Prime Minister Liz Truss had flagged the move two weeks ago, after taking office, in a vast energy package tackling fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy confirmed support for a new oil and gas licensing round next month for 100 new licences.

Britain had in 2019 called a halt to fracking – or hydraulic fracturing, which is used to release hydrocarbons locked deep underground – due to fears it could trigger earthquakes.