An apparent U-turn by VVD parliamentarians means a majority of MPs now support reducing the amount of gas being pumped from under Groningen, the Telegraaf reports on Wednesday.­­

‘There should be less gas… that was the aim already because the gas in Slochteren is running out,’ VVP MP René Leegte says in an interview with the Telegraaf.

In addition, locals whose property has been damaged by earthquakes resulting from the gas extraction should be generously compensated, Leegte said.

Decision

Economic affairs minister Henk Kamp is due to decide shortly what to do about the gas fields, which generate millions of euros a year for the treasury.

The government’s mine inspectors last year recommended a slowdown in extraction, but figures show NAM actually pumped out more gas than originally planned.

The change of heart by the ruling VVD comes two months ahead of the local elections and a sharp rise in local anti-goverment sentiment.

Three investigations into the direct cause of the Groningen quakes and their impact on locals are currently underway. Many people are concerned about the effect on the value of their property.

Damage

NAM has said it will take steps to prevent damage to vulnerable buildings and is looking at ways to extract gas with less far-reaching effects. It describes the risks as ‘acceptable and manageable’.

NAM has had 9,100 reports of damage to homes in the region over the past year.

Kamp said in July there is no evidence yet that property prices have gone down in parts of Groningen because of the earthquakes.