Oil Minister asks Kelkar panel to prepare roadmap for freeing gas prices

22 May 2013 Evaluate

Oil minister M Veerappa Moily has asked the Vijay Kelkar panel to prepare a roadmap for switching over to market determined gas pricing at the end of 12th plan period. Minister has expanded the terms of reference (ToR) of the panel to prepare a roadmap for enhancing domestic production of oil and gas so as to substantially reduce the nation's import dependency by 2030.

In the new ToR, the panel has also been asked to suggest steps to be taken for enhancing oil and gas production from the unconventional as well as conventional energy sources. Further, the panel will suggest institutional mechanism for appraisal of the Indian sedimentary basins to the extent of 75 percent by 2015 and 100 percent by 2025. It will also recommend steps for development of gas transportation infrastructure for establishing countrywide market place. Meanwhile, the panel will have to submit its reports within six months. India currently imports 80 percent of its oil needs and about half of its natural gas requirement. 

The panel has also been asked to give views on the recommendations of Rangarajan Committee on moving from Production Sharing Contracts to revenue sharing contracts. Rangarajan panel had suggested that companies should be asked to bid upfront the amount of oil and gas they will share with the government for award of exploration acreage.

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