SHALE GAS

German cabinet finally agrees fracking rules / Federal states to decide on test drills

SHALE GAS

Germany's door to shale gas exploration kicked open slightly / Experts to decide on suitability of geological formations / Industry urges quick start to exploration / Plans still controversial

SHALE GAS

US fracking activities gather speed / Excessive ethane earmarked for export / Argentina said to possess large reserves / Poland to begin commercial production in 2016 / Environmental impact contested

SHALE GAS

German environment agency remains sceptical on fracking / Latest expert opinion recommends tight restrictions / Draft legislation expected in autumn

POLYMER PRICES

Standard Thermoplastics Trend July 2011: Producers largely pass on cost reduction / Margin improvement proves elusive / Converters are still holding back / Abundance of special offers