Deora, cos to discuss gas distribution

The petroleum minister will discuss a draft policy with top players in natural gas.

Local natural gas distribution networks have made initial inroads into most major cities. But to keep expanding they need greater investment, from both the public and private sectors. On Monday, Petroleum Minister Murli Deora will meet chief executives of all the top players in natural gas to discuss a draft policy for the development of natural gas pipelines, which will make investment norms transparent, and thereby hopefully attract more funds.

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Exxon, Mobil, British Gas, Shell, Reliance Industries, Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group and the public sector oil companies have all been invited.

The draft policy has already been discussed twice before in June and July this year with these corporates, thus raising hopes of a complete consensus being reached this time. The policy will provide a road map for easy access to the pipeline network for all players, and ensure fair competition.

Another major thrust of the policy will be to ensure consumers get a fair deal, in both gas availability and tariff.