Oil, gas ministry seeks cut in AP's charges

 VIJAYAWADA: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) secretary Pankaj Jain met AP chief secretary Dr. K S Jawahar Reddy at the latter’s office in Vijayawada and expressed concern over Andhra Pradesh government increasing the fee chargeable for Consent for Operation and Consent for Establishment of oil and gas mining projects in the state.

The union secretary requested Dr. Jawahar Reddy to review the applicable fee, particularly the variable component linked to production.

The top central and state officials further discussed key issues related to expediting of pending petroleum mining leases (PMLs) in the state, apart from establishment of a petrochemical project in Andhra Pradesh.

Dr. Jawahar Reddy said AP has sought speeding up of the process for setting up the petrochemical project in the state, as it would create employment opportunities and boost economic growth in Andhra Pradesh.

The chief secretary said the state government and MoPNG remain committed to promoting growth and development of petroleum and natural gas sector in Andhra Pradesh. He assured that both are working together to address various important issues.