Govt statement on Reliance gas expected today

The decision was taken late Thursday following a meeting of a high-level panel, led by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, with Petroleum Minister Murli Deora, Power Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily as members.

The panel had been set up by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after criticisms that different ministries had divergent positions on the subject that is embroiled in legal disputes in the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court.

While the Mumbai court is hearing the dispute between Reliance Industries and the state-run power utility NTPC, the apex court is adjudicating on the dispute between the Mukesh Ambani firm and Anil Ambani-led Reliance Natural Resources.

"We will try to see that the government is one on the issues," Moily had told reporters late Thursday, even as oil ministry officials said the statement Friday may also seek to address some points raised by the Anil Ambani Group.

"The petroleum minister will issue a statement tomorrow," the law minister added.