Dubai:India is expected to urge Yemen to expedite the biddingprocess of its two oil blocks, in which Indian oil major ONGC Videsh hasevinced interest, when petroleum ministers of both the countries meet at theYemense capital of Sania.

India's Petroleum andNatural Gas Minister Murli Deora who is visiting Yemenwill also explore possibilities of firming up oil supplies from Yemenwhen he meets his Yemense counterpart Khalid Mahfoudh Bahah in Sana'a, thecountry's capital.

Increased cooperation in oil sector will be the focus of talks between India and Yemen when the the ministers meettoday, Indian officials told PTI on phone from the Yemense capital.

Deora is reaching Yemenafter his visit to Libyain the first leg of his tour to tie up oil cooperation.

"Indiais expected to tell the Yemeni side about the need for expediting award of theoil concessions," officials said.

At present, India buysYemeni crude at the spot market, but India is keen on term supplies sothat it gets assured supplies.

Besides holding talks with the Yemeni minister for expanding cooperation in thehydrocarbon sector, a high-level delegation led Deora is also expected to visitthe proposed site for downstream hydrocarbon projects like refineries andpetrochemicals.

 

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