Hardeep Singh Puri takes charge as Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas

New Delhi:Mr Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday took over the charge of Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry as Cabinet Minister from Dharmendra Pradhan.

Expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, “Today, I feel honoured by the trust reposed by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Jee who has made me the Cabinet Minister of this important ministry.”

Noting that the work of this Ministry touches each and every citizen in the country directly or indirectly, he said that the energy issues in this Ministry have immense potential and several challenges which needs to adapt to changing times, adopt new technologies and to be in consonance with the energy transition taking place across the world, provides a fascinating opportunity.

“As we transform towards a 5-Trillion economy, energy availability and consumption will be of paramount importance. My focus will be on increasing domestic production of crude and natural gas, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of Aatamnirbhar Bharat”, Mr Puri said.

He also said that he will work towards development of a natural gas-based economy in the country and increase the share of natural gas in primary energy mix of the country to 15 per cent by 2030 as announced by PM Modi.

Along with him, Mr Rameswar Teli also took charge as the minister of state in the ministry.Mr Pradhan, who was holding the charge before the cabinet reshuffle, was also present on the occasion.(UNI)