Dual pricing policy for diesel : Murli Deora

Ahmedabad, Oct 5 (UNI) Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Murli Deora today said government was actively considering dual pricing policy for diesel to extend relief to oil marketing companies as the subsidised fuel was being used by luxurious vehicles and industries.

Addressing a gathering at a function organised by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation to celebrate the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the first oil well Lunej-1 in Cambay Basin, about 100 kms away from here, the minister said there was no need for providing subsidised diesel to industries and users of luxurious cars.

He said the government has taken many steps to manage sharp rise in global crude oil prices and the national oil companies that have come forward to take the burden as a result of which kerosene is being sold at Rs 9 a litre to the poor and needy people.

He also said ONGC had made immense contribution to recoveries of oil market companies to the tune of Rs 22,000 crore last year which resulted in the oil marketing companies to sustain their operation and to make available petroleum products at affordable prices to the common man.

The minister also announced the launch of a drinking water scheme by the ONGC board to Lunej and surrounding villages at an initial expenditure of Rs three crore which will be completed within an year's time.

Mr Deora said five decades ago ONGC discovered the first oil in Cambay Basin in independent India way back on September 5, 1958.

Subsequently on September 12, the then petroleum minister Pandit Keshava Deva Malaviya announced the news in Parliament. ''Now our companies producing one fourth portion of our demands and hope that thirty years from today we will reach 100 per cent self sufficiency in the oil sector'', he said.

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