The Hindu : Front Page : Fate of refinery to be known soon

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Thursday, Sep 27, 2007
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Fate of refinery to be known soon

Special Correspondent

Announcement likely within a fortnight, says Chief Minister

NEW DELHI: Union Petroleum Minister Murli Deora on Wednesday assured Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy that the appraisal of the proposed 15 MT greenfield refinery by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation in Kakinada would be completed within a week’s time.

Briefing mediapersons here after meeting the Petroleum Minister, Dr. Reddy said an announcement regarding setting up of the refinery is likely to be made in Hyderabad by Mr. Deora within a fortnight. Earlier a 7.5 MT refinery had been planned in Kakinada, but was shelved as it was found unviable. Now, an export-oriented refinery of larger capacity is being planned in its place.

As for the State Government’s demand for more LPG connections under the Deepam scheme, Mr. Deora informed him that while supply of gas was assured, there was a shortage of gas cylinders. As and when the manufacturing capacity of cylinders is enhanced, the State’s demand would be met.

Asked whether the issue of gas pricing vis-À-vis Reliance came up at the meeting, the Chief Minister answered in the negative.

Though the State Government had a certain viewpoint on the issue, it would abide by the Central Government’s decision now that the final verdict was out.

Dr. Reddy also met Congress president Sonia Gandhi and discussed party and Government matters with her. However, he refused to divulge details but confirmed that the issue of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president – a post that is lying vacant since last incumbent K. Keshava Rao stepped down after his son was arrested for murder – did come up for discussion.

‘Appropriate time’

“An appropriate decision will be announced at the appropriate time,” was all that the Chief Minister was willing to say on the issue. Neither was he willing to reveal his mind on speculations of a separate PCC for Telangana region; stating that whatever is decided by Ms. Gandhi would be acceptable. “I am neither for or against it; it is for Ms. Gandhi to decide.”

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