New Delhi, Jan 19 : Petroleum and Natural Gas Secretary R. S. Pandey today called for enhancing efficiency in the productivity of the hydrocarbon sources of energy.

Inaugurating the Oil and Gas Conservation Fortnight 2009 (OGCF 2009) here today, Pandey emphasised that India should emulate the example of Japan which has improved hydrocarbons productivity over a period of time and achieved about three times more than the global average.

He informed that India was somewhat better than West Asia. "We have to move towards the standards of Japan", he stressed.

Pandey pointed out that conservation efforts and spreading awareness about following oil and gas conservation tips is one of the important strategies being pursued by the Government.

"A major awareness campaign is being planned by Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA), the nodal organization under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas for encouraging conservation and optimum use of the finite sources of energy," he said.

"Towards supplementing the availability of hydrocarbons for which India is import dependent to an extent of about 80 per cent of its crude oil requirements, Government is also encouraging blending of biofuels with conventional oil," he added.

Pandey observed that the demand for hydrocarbon source of energy would continue to grow in India in view of the economic growth being obtained for the development of the country.

The inaugural function of Oil and Gas Conservation Fortnight 2009 (OGCF 2009), focuses on various activities undertaken during the fortnight to serve as a reminder to all of us that energy conservation is a priority in India, mainly because of energy demand growing faster than the supply.

OGCF being observed throughout the country, is a major initiative from Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) and oil PSUs to create mass awareness regarding the importance of energy conservation and involves all sections of the society including school children, in energy conservation efforts.

With the launch of the national level fortnight-long programme, countrywide intensive campaigns would be undertaken to bring home the point of oil and gas conservation. (ANI)