"A misleading ad campaign is being aired on local vernacular news channels showing Gujarat was not getting gas from Centre, but I want to clarify that of the 162.10 mmscmd (million metric standard cubic metre per day) gas supplied across India in 2010-11, the state's allocation was 63.25 mmscmd, or 40 per cent.
"While in 2011/12, it was allocated 51.30 mmscmd out of total allocation of 153.53 mmscmd across India, which was about 33 per cent," he said.
Industrial development in Gujarat has been possible due to Centre's encouragement, especially on the oil and gas front, Singh said adding Centre has always allocated maximum gas to the state for its prosperity.
On a visit to Gujarat to review the performance of oil marketing PSUs, Singh announced that GAIL would invest Rs 1,400 crore over the next few years in the state on expansion while a new gas cylinder bottling plant would be set up in Kandla.
Singh also assured fast-paced implementation of Rajiv Gandhi LPG yojana in Gujarat so that gas cylinders could reach faster to the rural populace.
According to Singh, gas allocated on Administered Price Mechanism (APM) and market determined prices (cheaper as compared to directly imported gas) by the Centre was highest to Gujarat as compared to states like Maharashtra and Delhi.
State Congress leaders have, however, alleged that gas allocated by the Centre was being diverted to big industrial houses.
They have also charged that gas was expensive here due to higher VAT levy and Gujarat government mixing costlier directly imported gas with the gas availed at lower rates from the Centre.
The visit of Union Minister to Gujarat today assumed significance amid allegations and counter-allegations by ruling and opposition parties here about gas allocation to the election-bound state.
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