Oil privatisation: Unions flare up, Naik is calm

Close on the heels of the Centre announcing its decision to go ahead with the privatisation of the two oil PSUs — HPCL and BPCL — ...

Close on the heels of the Centre announcing its decision to go ahead with the privatisation of the two oil PSUs — HPCL and BPCL — oil sector trade unions have threatened to go on an indefinite strike from the day the privatisation schedule is announced.

Meanwhile, the disinvestment ministry has begun its work in full swing on the proposed disinvestments. According to an official, the government intends to invite expression of interest (EoI) from interested bidders early next week for HPCL. In the case of BPCL, the ministry would call for the appointment of advisors for the proposed public issue.

India, Iran sign MoU

NEW DELHI: India and Iran on Monday singed a MoU on the oil sector that seeks to establish a framework for cooperation in specific areas like exploration and production, supply of oil and gas, services sector, and R&D. The MoU was signed by Union Petroleum Minister Ram Naik and Iranian Foreign Minister Dr Kamal Kharrazi. (ENS)

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Though the Oil Sector Officers Association, a representative body of all trade unions in the oil PSUs, have threatened a strike, the petroleum ministry is yet to decide on a contingency plan to tackle any eventuality.

Talking to The Indian Express, Petroleum Minister Ram Naik said he would try and talk it out with the unions to dissuade them from going ahead with the strike. On a contingency plan, Naik said possibly it would not be required. ‘‘I would try and reason it out with them’’, Naik added.

According to a top oil official: ‘‘We have not received any formal notice from the trade union and it has to be seen as to how much of support the unions get in their call. We do not have any contingency plan at present to counter the strike.’’

On their part, the association seems quite resolute to intensify their agitation. Ashok Singh, president of the association, said: ‘‘Oil being a core sector and with HPCL doing so well as a PSU there is no justification for the government to go ahead with the privatisation programme.’’ Singh also said that he was confident that all the oil PSUs would participate in the indefinite strike, the date of which would coincide with the day on which the government would announce the schedule for the privatisation of HPCL and BPCL. It would unfold its future agitation programme in a press conference within the next couple of days, he said.