Murli Deora Quotations

We are making all efforts, including using our personal contacts, to get U.S. multinationals to bid for our exploration blocks ... so far they have stayed away, but I am sure this time things will be different.

We have invited a number of global energy players to explore oil in our country and share production with us.

I would be keen to meet with CEOs and other top executives of U.S.-based petroleum companies during this visit. I have separately requested the USIBC (U.S.-India Business Council) to organize an event, wherein this interaction could take place.

Whatever problems we have in our ministry, we have raised. Chidambaram was very kind and considerate. The Finance Ministry did agree to some of the points that we raised. So, we are discussing them again.

We hope that all 55 blocks will be snapped up. We expect over $7 billion dollars investment within 24 months.

We hope it will materialize in bidding for oil and gas.

The pipeline issue did not even crop up in our meeting.

A tripartite official level meeting is now being held in Tehran March 13-15. The Indian delegation led by the petroleum secretary will be attending this meeting.

(The) board would protect consumers' interests and would seek to boost investments and create competitive markets.

There was no conclusion in the last meeting. We will meet Finance Minister next week or so.