Producing gas from KG basin is govt's top priority: Pandey

New Delhi, Sept 24 (UNI) Expressing concern over the tussle between Reliance Natural Resources Ltd and Reliance Industries Ltd over the sale of gas from the KG basin, the government today requested the Mumbai High Court to lift the injunction on the sale of the gas produced from the block, saying ''it is in the national interest''.

''Starting gas production at the KG basin is a national priority,'' Petroleum Secretary RS Pandey said here on the sidelines of a conference organised by PHD Chambers, adding that the Ministry is making all efforts to get the court injunction lifted.

''The Ministry had sent a team there and we found that gas production can start by the year-end,'' he said.

The start of crude oil production by RIL in the KG basin is a matter of 'national pride', Mr Pandey said, adding that it will encourage other operators in the area, especially state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC).

RIL Chairman Mukesh Ambani on Sunday had announced the commencement of oil production in the D6 block in KG basin, and said gas production will commence within the first quarter of next year.

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