Oil lobbies always threatened ministers: Moily

, June 14: Petroleum Minister

on Friday claimed that all

ministers of India have been "threatened" by oil lobbies who eyed to disrupt domestic exploration efforts to achieve self-sufficiency.

Speaking to reporters, Moily said every minister who has taken charge of the petroleum ministry has faced threats at some point or the other. He said besides bureaucratic delay and other hindrances, there are lobbies who don't want the country to stop importing oil. He, however, said that he could not be intimidated by such threats.

The minister, however, did not reveal the names of those who threatened him.

The minister said the country is floating on a sea of oil and gas but can not explore it because of the threats and the obstructions.

Moily's revelations came after senior CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta claimed the oil ministry's decision to revise gas prices as one to benefit Reliance. Dasgupta termed the move as a "huge scam".

Dasgupta also took a dig at Moily over the latter's remark. He said the minister was trying to give advantage to the corporates, especially Reliance, and that he was making up stories to protect his name. The Left leader said Moily should name the culprit if indeed there is a threat.

The principal opposition party, BJP, attacked the UPA government and said Moily's remarks proved that the petroleum ministry's functioning was not transparent. Party spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman said skeletons were tumbling out of the cupboard and Moily revealed how business is being conducted in his ministry.

OneIndia News