"I have stated my opinion on more than one occasion. The winner will be announced after the environmental impact assessment is carried out and when there is agreement with the local community," he told reporters after the Cabinet's meeting on Monday.
Environment Minister Valentinas Mazuronis has said repeatdly that Chevron must be named the winner of the tender without delay. However, the Environment Ministry's commission in charge of the tender has postponed the decision until September.
Chevron submitted the sole bid for the right to explore for gas and oil in the Silute-Taurage field, which is thought to contain shale gas. Local communities have opposed the project, citing environmental concerns.
