Chevron puts brakes on gas exploration efforts in Ukraine, but says it’s keeping its options open. UPI/Shutterstock/Calin Tatu KIEV, Ukraine, Dec. 16 (UPI) — U.S. energy company Chevron said it was still looking for opportunities in Ukraine, but opted to shelve a contract to tap the country’s shale gas potential. In October, members of a regional council in Ukraine approved a draft production agreement for shale natural gas with Chevron. The deal was formalized in November. Ukraine is one of the Eastern European countries thought to be rich in shale natural gas and the government estimates there may be enough natural gas in shale plays to meet the country’s needs without imports. Peter Clark, country manager for Chevron, told the Kiev Post the company terminated the production agreement because of legislative hurdles in Ukraine. “We have just terminated that PSA (product sharing agreement),” Clark said in comments published Monday. […]