In a hard hitting statement, the petroleum minister Murli Deora on Saturday said the Centre and his ministry in particular were engaged in the promotion of entire oil & natural gas sector and they were not involved specifically to protect the interest of Mukesh Ambani-controlled Reliance Industries in the KG-D6 gas dispute as charged by Reliance ADAG group.
Deora after the inauguration of the Maharashtra government-promoted Institute of Forensic Science said the government as a whole would protect the interest of NTPC in the KG-D6 gas dispute.
A visibly anguished Deora questioned the ongoing advertisement campaign by Reliance ADAG group on the KG-D6 gas issue. “Is it fair when the apex court has slated hearing on September 1 (on cross petitions filed by RIL, Reliance Natural Resources and petroleum ministry),” the minister noted.
Deora also rubbished Reliance ADAG’s claim that the government would earn mere Rs 500 crore while the RIL would be a big gainer. “The government has already clarified its stand in the statement issued on Friday evening. (The government said it will realise Rs 84,000 crore from KG-D6 project).
Against the backdrop of ongoing controversy over KG-D6 gas involving Ambani brothers and the ministry, Deora claimed that there would be a good response for the (NELP) new exploration licensing policy VIII. However, he admitted that had it not been there the response would have been much more. On the Reliance ADAG’s allegation that none of the five leading global companies involved in exploration and production have participated in earlier rounds, the minister refrained from making any comment. He informed his deputy Jitin Prasad has already left for Canada for NELP VIII road show. According to him, the petroleum secretary RS Pande would also attend road shows for the same. The final date for bidding for NELP VIII is slated for October 12.
On the commencement of production at Cairn’s Barmer field in Rajasthan, Deora informed that it will be done on August 29 when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has agreed to grace the occasion. Cairn’s facility will meet 25% oil requirement of the country.