The Groningen branch of the right-wing Liberal VVD has gone against party policy and called for a further reduction in gas extraction from under the province.

With five weeks before the provincial elections, the local party wants the government to slash the amount of gas it allows gas extraction group NAM to extract in an effort to reduce the earthquake risk.

However, the national party has rejected their demands. ‘[Economic affairs minister Henk]Kamp has taken a decision. This year 39.4 billion cubic metres of gas will be extracted. We consider this to be a wise decision,’ said VVD spokesman André Bosman.

The local party wants the volume to be cut to 30 billion cubic metres, which it says is enough to meet domestic demand and export obligations.

Kamp is due to hold a press conference about the Groningen gas situation later on Monday.