Anti-fracking protesters break into Romania Chevron site, clash with police
Hundreds of protesters have broken into a Chevron site after the US oil giant resumed its search for shale gas in northeast Romania. Clashes ensued as riot police started streaming in, the Voice of Russia reported.
Some 400 people gathered on Saturday in the village of Pungesti, according to local media.
Following the incident, the US company later announced it was suspending activities in the area. "Chevron confirms the suspension today…due to the activities of protesters," Chevron said in a statement.
The site in Pungesti has been the subject of ongoing controversy. The village is believed to be sitting upon vast reserves of the natural resource.
In October, Chevron decided to suspend its drilling plans. To prevent Chevron from resuming the drilling, Pungesti villagers set up a camp in a privately-owned field next to the site where the well was planned to be installed.