Currently, Delhi is the only city which has switched over completely to lead free petrol. The government has also decided to reduce the sulpur content in diesel to 0.25 per cent by the year 2000. The sulphur content has already been brought down to five per cent, he told newspersons yesterday.

The decision highlights government's commitment towards maintaining eco-friendly environment in the country, he said. Gangawar said the government has also decided to set up 6000 refill retail outlets of LPG and petrol. It has been decided to set up one LPG agency for every 10,000 people in the country.

Stating that the New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP) would be declared shortly, the minister said efforts were also on to get gas directly from the neighbouring countries like Iran and Bangladesh.

Gangawar said the government has decided to set up newrefineries in Bina (Madhya Pradesh) and Paradeep (Orissa). The work in Panipat refinery is progressing on a war-footing and the commissioning would be done in three months time, he said.