PM GATHERS OIL COMPANIES' HEADS

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia /MONTSAME/ The Prime Minister N.Altankhuyag gathered on Saturday delegates of ten petroleum companies to hear their opinions on a present situation of the oil products sector and urgent problems. Present at the gathering were also D.Gankhuyag, the Minister of Mining; N.Batbayar, the Minister of Mineral Resources; N.Zoljargal, the president of the Bank of Mongolia; and others. The PM underlined that his cabinet is focusing on urgent problems such as oil and consumer products prices soar and "that is why this meeting has been gathered to tackle some of these problems". The gathered thanked the PM for calling this "well-timed meeting", and then raised many issues, including requirements to alter the law on oil and to create trust between the state and private sector. They also noted that, wnen the oil matters are considered at the state level, they become the problem, especially to due to some amateur people, "so special license must be given to those entities professionally running the petroleum business". The delegates asked the Premier to give support to the companies in receiving loans. The Premier suggested submitting specific proposals within next Monday. Two working groups have been set up at the Minister of Mining, responsible for drawing up proposals on stabilizing the retail price on auto and diesel fuels. As of today, 17 entities are importing oil products under the special licenses. The Premier stated that this gathering will be held regularly. B.Khuder