Reliance Industries (RIL) and BP today announced the incorporation of India Gas Solutions Pvt. Ltd., a 50:50 joint venture company which will focus on global sourcing and marketing of natural gas in India.
The joint venture company will also develop infrastructure to accelerate transportation and marketing of natural gas within the country. India Gas Solutions Pvt. Ltd. will be funded with equal equity from BP and RIL.
The company’s Board comprises six members with equal representation from BP and RIL. Kris Sliger from BP will be appointed Chairman and RIL’s Bibhas Ganguly will be appointed Vice-Chairman. The executive team comprises Hiten Mehta (BP), Chief Executive Officer; Suresh Manglani (RIL), Chief Financial Officer; Amit Mehta (RIL), Chief Operating Officer and Brian Dodson (BP), Chief Commercial Officer.
Speaking on the occasion, Sashi Mukundan, Region President and Country Head, BP India said, ‘ Our vision is to see the RIL-BP joint venture company emerge as a major participant in meeting India’s growing gas demand . The need for assured gas supplies to fuel this growth is crucial and the RIL – BP partnership is in a unique position to contribute significantly in this respect .’
‘ The incorporation of the joint venture company is a significant step in the relationship of RIL and BP and further establishes the commitment of both the parties to the Indian market ‘ said PMS Prasad, Executive Director, RIL . ‘ Demand for gas has been growing at an exponential rate and we anticipate natural gas to emerge as the preferred choice of fuel given its properties as a cleaner and sustainable fuel source ‘.
India Gas Solutions will commence operations with 30 employees seconded from BP and RIL, with deep experience in the gas business, both in India and internationally. This joint venture will assume the administration of the existing gas contracts to KGD6 customers, and will also pursue other opportunities, including LNG import.
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LNG World News Staff, November 18, 2011; Image: BP