Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has expressed confidence that the target of 10 percent reduction in import dependence in Oil and Gas will be achieved by 2022. Speaking at a function in New Delhi today, he said natural gas will play a major role in achieving this target. Mr. Pradhan said the government has already taken a number of initiatives in the sector which would unlock a large quantity of hydrocarbons. The Minister said the government is working with Public Sector Oil Companies to bring in Start-Up Fund for oil and gas industry which would further boost the innovative ideas.Later in the day, the Minister took stock of preparedness of implementation of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yoajna through Video Conferencing with the Officers of State level Units of Oil Marketing Companies. Under the Scheme, five crore women beneficiaries belonging to BPL families will be provided with free LPG connections in next three years. 1.5 crore connections would be provided in 2016-17.