CPI demands inquiry into Moily's revelations over petroleum ministers being threatened

The Communist Party of India (CPI) on Friday asked Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dr. M. Veerappa Moily to disclose the names of those import lobbies, who threaten petroleum ministers.

CPI leader Atul Anjan said it is a very serious issue, and added that the government must conduct an inquiry into it.

"The petroleum minister has given a very stunning statement. In Rajasthan, oil and gas deposits are there. The Government of India must enquire this matter. This is an issue of national security and national independence," said Anjan.

"People are trying to take over gas and petroleum tanks. Veerappa Moily should reveal names of those persons or companies," he added

Dr. Moily earlier in the day disclosed that petroleum ministers are threatened by import lobbies not to take decisions that will cut India's USD 160 billion oil imports.

"I am telling you with all sense of responsibility (that) we are floating in oil and gas in this country. And we don't explore it. We put every obstruction not to do it. There is bureaucratic obstructions and delays," Dr. Moily told the media here.

"And also there are other lobbies. They don't want us to stop imports. There are some lobbies who are working on that. Every minister is threatened many a times. Every minister who occupies this position is threatened," he added.

Dr. Moily, however, refused to name anyone or identify anyone who may have directly or indirectly threatened the petroleum ministers.

"History will speak about it. It is for you to judge," he said.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister further said oil imports will rise dramatically if domestic production is not incentivized through right pricing policy.

"This (increase in oil imports) will work to the detriment of the country. We are challenged by the vagaries of international price. The revision in natural gas prices was aimed at reviving investor confidence and attracting investments," Dr. Moily said.

"For the last 4-5 years, investor sentiments are not that high. We have to give right price, otherwise nobody will come," he said.