Deora to discuss gas distribution, pricing policies with oil majors
16 Oct 2006
Mumbai: Petroleum minister Murali Deora will hold discussions with Exxonmobil, BG, Shell, RIL, Anil Dhirubhai Ambani group, Teri, BP, state-owned oil companies and the Planning Commission on issues faced by the oil industry like grant of authorisation, exclusivity, bid bond and performance bond, conditions under ROU acquisition and unbundling of operations.
The meeting will also finalise the draft policy on local natural gas distribution, which will allow competition in distribution of piped cooking gas and CNG.
While gas distribution companies - both private and public - have made inroads into local natural gas distribution networks in major cities, they still need government direction for expansion and investment.
Deora will meet top executives of companies engaged in the production and distribution of natural gas to discuss a draft policy for the development of natural gas pipelines that will make investment norms transparent.
The
government had already discussed the draft policy with
the oil companies
twice earlier, in June and July this year. The policy
will provide a road map for easy access to the pipeline
network for all stakeholders, and ensure fair competition.
It will also ensure that consumers get a fair deal,
in both gas availability and tariff.
