Puri dials Saudi Arabia for second time in two months

Sep 17,2021

New Delhi: Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Friday called Saudi Arabian Oil Minister Abdul Aziz bin Salam Al Saud - the second such exchange in as many months - to discuss energy partnership. "Had a warm exchange with HRH Abdul Aziz bin Salman Al Saud, Minister of Energy of Saudi Arabia. Discussed similarities of our energy vision and the important role energy sector plays in our overall strategic partnership," Puri tweeted.

In July, soon after becoming the oil minister, Puri had dialled OPEC nation kingpins to convey India's concern over high oil prices that were threatening to impact the nascent economic recovery after a devastating pandemic.

He first called his counterparts in Qatar and the UAE and then the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) kingpin Saudi Arabia.

"Had a warm and friendly discussion with His Royal Highness, Prince Abdul Aziz bin Salman Al Saud, Minister of Energy of Saudi Arabia on strengthening bilateral energy partnership and developments in the global energy markets," Puri had tweeted on July 15.

Saudi Arabia, he said, is a central player in the international energy market.

"I conveyed my desire to work with His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz to bring greater predictability and calm in the global oil markets, and also to see hydrocarbons become more affordable," he had said.

Saudi Arabia is the world's largest exporter of crude oil and India's second-biggest source after Iraq.

Concerned over the rising oil prices, India has been reaching out to key oil producers in the Middle East.

Puri on July 14 called UAE Minister of Industry Ahmed Al Jaber, who is the chief executive of Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC), seeking the UAE's support in lowering prices.

The rebound in international oil prices from lows hit in May on the back of demand recovery had sent petrol and diesel rates to a record high in India.

International oil prices this week have edged up to two months high, threatening revival of the rate increase cycle.