The government is aggressively pushing for exploration of conventional oil and gas to reduce the country's import dependence. Inaugurating Petrotech-2010 in New Delhi today,Petroleum Minister Murli Deora said, steps have also been initiated to tap shale gas which is non-conventional fuel trapped in sedimentary rocks.Recalling that India imports 75 per cent of its crude oil requirement,the minister said 34 blocks, covering approximately 88,000 sq km for exploration of hydrocarbons have been following the launch of 9th New Exploration Licensing Policy (auction) this month . The previous eight licensing rounds since 1999 have resulted in enhancement of exploration coverage of the Indian Sedimentary Basin from 11 per cent to 58 per cent. Deora said the government is creating strategic oil and gas reserves as insurance against supply disruptions. Underground crude oil storages are being built at Vizag, in Andhra Pradesh, and Mangalore, in Karnataka, which will hold sufficient reserves to cover the nation's requirement for 15 days. AIR correspondent reports,the theme of the three-day Petrotech-2010 oil and gas conference, “Global Energy Equilibrium”, is aimed at capturing different facets of the energy chain for achieving sustainable development and ecological balance . This year, more than 300 companies, including many global energy majors, are showcasing their expertise and specialties at the hydrocarbon exhibition. Besides , Russia, Malaysia, Canada, China, Kazakhstan, Qatar,Holland, Denmark, UAE and Indonesia have set up their pavilion .