Indian oil minister Jaipal Reddy has said that the country would look to increase the countrys imports of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar
According to Dow Jones, Reddy said, “India imported 5.6mn metric tonnes of oil from Qatar in 2010-11. In the years ahead, with our energy requirements growing, we will look for larger quantities of LNG, crude oil and LPG."
Reddy added that India had not yet specified the amount of extra supplies that would be needed.
“Qatar has been our trusted, friendly supplier, so we are seeking more supplies,” he remarked.
The report quoted Qatar minister of energy and industry, Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada, as saying that Qatar was indeed "reviewing" its commitment on energy supplies to India.
“We would like to continue and widen our relations,” emphasised al-Sada.
Petronet LNG, India's main LNG importer by volume, recently stated that it was seeking additional LNG supplies from Ras Gas. Petronet managing director, A K Balyan, said the company was talking to Qatar about obtaining an additional 2-3mn tonnes a year.
Petronet currently imports 7.5mn tonnes of LNG from Ras Gas under a long-term supply contract originally signed in 1999 and amended in 2006.
