Govt refutes charges over awarding KG-D6 block to RIL

Mumbai, Nov 02: Government has strongly denied the allegations of irregularity in awarding Krishna Goadavari basin gas block to Reliance Industries.

In a detailed press release issued earlier this evening, Petroleum Ministry said that contract for gas exploration was given as per policy and rule of law.

Recalling that New Exploration Licensing Policy which was approved in 1997 and implemented during NDA regime in 1999 was adhered to and blocks were offered through an international competitive and transparent bidding system.

Ministry added that the contract was a generic one and not specific to RIL.

The Ministry also asserted that decisions were objective and without any fear and favour.

Government says that the system is not influenced or guided by whims and fancies of any individual or group of individuals.

It said that Ministry will continue to function and take decisions with firmness after due diligence adding that strict adherence to transparency and probity will be followed.

Ministry also reiterated that no revision of gas rates will be done before 2014.

On Wednesday, India Against Corruption (IAC) had alleged that the UPA and the previous NDA governments had favoured RIL by giving KG-D6 gas exploration contract and concessions at a huge cost to the exchequer.