Norway will not lift bans on drilling on the Arctic Islands

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The Norway’s officials have dismissed the rumors that the government might lift bans on oil and gas exploration near picturesque islands in the Arctic Ocean. It was said that such a step might be made before elections next year.

Reuters informs that the Norwegian Oil and Energy Ministry had sent oil companies letters in which it rejects news reports saying that the Lofoten and Vesteraalen islands would be included in an upcoming licensing round.

"That's never been the case,” the ministry wrote in a statement.

Last week, the government had also asked oil and gas producing companies to name blocks for coming exploration that had already been open to oil and gas drilling.

The Lofoten and Vesteraalen islands are known for the area’s rich cod spawning grounds. Since 2013 the Lofoten region has been closed for drilling as a part of a deal between the right-wing government and two central parties concluded to protect the environment. Last month, the country’s government announced new plans to make use of the profits from oil and gas operations to fund clean energy projects.