“Baker Hughes believes it is possible to disclose 100% of the chemical ingredients we use in hydraulic fracturing fluids without compromising our formulations,” the company said in a surprise announcement on its website.

The Houston-based company said the new disclosure policy aimed to achieve “a balance that increases public trust while encouraging commercial innovation”.

However the New York-listed provider said the complete lists would only be provided “where accepted by our customers and relevant governmental authorities”.

The