Govt denies bias in allotting gas blocks

After the row over the pricing of natural gas for its projects, the Anil Ambani group is on yet another collision course with the petroleum ministry as it alleged "discrimination" in evaluation of bids for coal bed methane blocks, a charge denied by the petroleum ministry.

Breaking its silence over reports of allegations during the last few weeks, the petroleum ministry today said there was no discretionary marking in allotment of coal bed methane blocks and it was ready to face any legal challenge.

In the face of allegations against the Director General of Hydrocarbon by the consortium led by Anil's group company Reliance Natural Resources Ltd, which was a clear winner in four out of 10 CBM blocks recently, a petroleum ministry official said, "There are no discretionary marks in assessing the bids."