Beijing: Petroleum Minister Murli Deora will represent India at the first-ever meeting of five major oil importing nations here December 16, which will discuss ways to stabilise crude oil prices vital for their continued economic growth and energy security.

At the one-day meeting hosted by China's top planning body, the National Development Reform Commission (NDRC), Oil Ministers from major oil importers, India, the United States, China, Japan, South Korea will attend and exchange views on issues of common interest, Chinese sources said.

"The meeting is being held with a view to enhance the co-operation and dialogue among major energy consumers in the world," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Qin Gang said.

The topic for discussion will include ways to reduce energy consumption and raise efficiency and find more energy substituting sources and to ensure global energy security and stability, he said.

"We hope that the meeting will be conducive for the co-ordination and communication among major energy consumers on the energy situation," Qin said.

China is expected to be represented at the meeting by the Chairman of the NDRC, Ma Kai.

US Energy Secretary Sam Bodman is expected to lead the US delegation, sources said.

Deora is expected to have bilateral meetings with his counterparts attending the five-nation meeting, official sources told PTI here.

China, the United States, Japan, South Korea and India consume nearly 45.5 percent of the world's 3.77 billion tonnes of oil. But hikes in the oil price are constraining their economic development.