New Delhi, Oct 20 (IANS) Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Murli Deora Tuesday said the government would take steps to make the Oil Industry Safety Directorate a statutory body as part of its efforts to enhance security for the hydrocarbon industry.
Speaking at the presentation of oil industry safety awards, Deora said the safety of the hydrocarbon industry had become even more apparent after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

“In the aftermath of the Mumbai terror attack of 26/11, the government has accorded top priority to the safety and security of our Hydrocarbon Industry,” the minister said, adding that he had recently inspected the security issues at Hazira, Gujarat, which is one of the country’s main ports.

Deora said vigilance was required to maintain the security of these national assets.

“In order to ensure the same, necessary steps would be taken up to make OISD as a statutory body for the entire upstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry,” he said.

The hydrocarbon industry had made invaluable contribution towards India’s economic growth, Deora said.

“It is our responsibility to maintain highest levels of safety standards at our oil installations, round the clock, to keep the flow lines alive.”

Deora added that the government also tried to ensure that the availability of the fuel was maintained at an affordable price.

Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Jitin Prasada said the oil marketing companies should undertake awareness campaign among customers of cooking gas to prevent accidents taking place at homes.

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