KHARKIV, March 19 - Shell and Ukrgazvydobuvannia have received consent from residents in Kharkiv region's Blyzniuky district to drill the Novo-Mechebilivska-100 exploration well under their joint operations agreement.

A Shell spokesman in Kharkiv region said public hearings on the drilling plan held in the township of Novonadezhdyne were attended by representatives from Shell, UkrNDIgas Research Studies Institute, and local government representatives.