Private companies to exploit shale through definition change

The government is planning to allow private companies to exploit shale reserves in their oil and gas blocks by changing the definition of petroleum in the rules in order to include this resource. The proposed change will help exploration companies such as Vedanta, Essar Oil Limited and Reliance Industries Limited explore and exploit their shale reserves. Reportedly, the MoPNG has sought the views of the law and coal ministries on its proposal to include shale in what constitutes petroleum.