RIL sour over AP’s oil deals

The state’s decision to set up the AP Gas Infrastructure Corporation and enter the exploration business along with ONGC, British Gas and Oil India has not gone down well with Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), sources said.

Government officials, on the other hand, mooted a proposal to partner with any consortium that gets city gas projects in open bidding. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Board, in a phased manner, has been calling for bids in urban areas of the state and several players like Indian Oil Corporation and Adani are competing for the projects.

“The state’s nominal equity is a gesture and commitment for speedy clearances and land acquisition wherever necessary,” an infrastructure official said adding that the ultimate objective was to ensure city gas to all 43 identified municipalities.