Poland’s gas monopoly, Polish Oil and Gas Co. (PGNiG), will apply for five licenses to explore potential unconventional shale oil resources in Poland, according to deputy head Marek Karabula.

The licenses will add to shale gas licenses PGNiG already owns.

"We are preparing five motions to the Environment Ministry to expand our licenses to include exploration for shale oil," Reuters quoted Karabula as telling reporters.