Oil and gas companies have given up 14 UK onshore exploration licences, according to information released by the government today.

In 17 licence areas, the government has allowed companies more time to carry out exploration. And in another 16 there are new agreements to drill, frack or carry out seismic surveys. Five companies have agreed to give back part of their acreage.

The areas are in nearly 50 Petroleum Exploration and Development Licences (PEDLs), mostly issued in 2008, that came to the end of their initial term yesterday.

Full article including regional details, here!