Date:02/06/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/06/02/stories/2004060202420400.htm

Back India may export more diesel to Bangladesh

Our Bureau

New Delhi , June 1

The Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Panchayati Raj, Mr Mani Shankar Aiyar, informed the visiting Bangladesh Foreign Minister, Mr Morshed Khan that increased exports of diesel from India to Bangladesh could be considered under a term contract.

During the meeting between the two ministers, Mr Aiyar reiterated India's continued interest for importing gas from Bangladesh, subject to availability of exportable surplus of this energy resource at their end, according to an official release.

Mr Aiyar also raised the issue of constructing a natural gas pipeline from Myanmar through Bangladesh to India for evacuating gas discovered in A-1 block in Myanmar, where Oil Natural Gas Corporation and Gas Authority of India Ltd have stakes.

Mr Khan also shared the view that greater cooperation in oil and gas sector between the two countries is in mutual interest and pointed out that India would be a natural choice for sale of surplus gas. He also expressed the willingness of Bangladesh to consider the request for providing transit right for the gas pipeline from Myanmar to India through Bangladesh, subject to mutually acceptable terms.

Mr Aiyar also had a separate meeting with the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, Mr Lakshaman Kadirgamar. In the meeting Mr Kardirgamar conveyed Sri Lanka's interestin importing more quantities of petroleum products from India, subject to appropriate terms of contract.

Mr Aiyar responded stating that details of the package will be finalised in consultation with the concerned Ministries and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas would revert shortly, the release added.