(a) whether the Government proposes to alter the New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP) in order to increase the production of petrol and diesel in the country;
(b) if so, the details in this regard;
(c) whether the Government has since received any report from the Petroleum Federation of India in this regard;
(d) if so, the salient features thereof; and
(e) the action taken/proposed to be taken by the Government thereon?
MINISTER OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS AND PANCHAYATI RAJ (SHRI MANI SHANKAR AIYAR)
(a) to (e):- NELP is concerned with exploration and production of crude oil and gas, not of petrol and diesel. The Ministry held a meeting of stakeholders at a CEOs conclave under the auspices of Petrofed on 7.7.2005, where the issue of modifying NELP after comparing the position in other countries was discussed. The Ministry asked Petrofed to undertake a study on suggested improvements to be effected in NELP after taking the views of industry members. Petrofed has submitted its report. The salient features of the report are at annex. Consultations have been held on the suggestions contained in report of Petrofed with stakeholders. The Government targets to launch NELP-VI during the first quarter of 2006. The suggestions will be appropriately incorporated in the bid documents for NELP-VI.