Move to import gas from Myanmar

New Delhi, Feb 23 (UNI) The government is exploring an alternative gas pipeline route through the country's north east, bypassing Bangladesh, and is in discussion with Myanmar for importing their gas, the Lok Sabha was told today.

This is because it has not been possible to sign the MOU for the Myanmar-Bangladesh-India gas pipeline project so far on account of differences between India and Bangladesh, Minister of State for Petroleum Dinshal Patel said in a written answer.

Differences have arisen over one preambular paragraph in the draft MOU in which Bangladesh has made references to some of its bilateral issues with India which are not related to the project, he said.

The draft MOU, the Minister said, had been prepared by the Techno Commercial Working Committee, which had been constituted consisting of the representative of three countries to take further steps in respect of the project.

The MOU was to be signed by the three oil ministers after the approval of their respective Governments, but differences cropped up between India and Bangladesh.

UNI YS MSJ DS1403