(a) the amount of investment made by the foreign companies engaged in specific area for exploration of oil and gas;
(b) whether any zero date has been fixed to start production by these companies;
(c) if so, details thereof; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
Minister of State for the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (SH. SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)
(a) Since 1994 up to March, 2000 investment made by foreign companies engaged in exploration in India is around US $ 93 million.
(b) No, Sir.
(c) Does not arise.
(d) Since these are exploration blocks, production from these blocks can start only after discovery of crude oil and/or natural gas is made and commercial viability of the discovery is established.