June 15, 2012. British energy major BP Plc has sought a free market pricing regime for natural gas to check India's growing dependence on imports and prevent investments in the exploration and related oilfield service business moving out of the country. The low domestic gas price set by the government is impeding development of domestic projects, while increase in demand has resulted in import of liquid gas (LNG) in ships rising to 40 per cent of consumption. India's rising demand for LNG imports is partially funding the development of gas industry and production in other countries. In contrast, the likely development of India's own (gas) resources is being threatened by the prevailing pricing regime for domestic gas. BP is partnering Reliance Industries Ltd in exploring and developing its oil and gas blocks. Reliance is seeking a higher price for gas from its showcase Andhra offshore field, the first auctioned block to go into production. The government had set a base price of $4.20 per unit - for five years from production - for gas from the field.