Kolkata, June 21 (IANS) Schlumberger, the world’s leading supplier of technology to oil and gas firms, and state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) are jointly looking at opportunities of exploring for shale gas in West Bengal and northeast India, a US diplomat said Tuesday.

 
 "Schlumberger and the ONGC are jointly looking for opportunities of research and exploration of shale gas in West Bengal and the northeast," US Consul General in Kolkata Beth A. Payne said at a programme organised by the Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce (MCC) here.
 
 "The project is in very early stage. It is in the stage of research and development now. It will take time," she said.
 
 Stating that the US has expertise in exploring shale gas, she said American technology will help West Bengal in exploring for the gas.
 
 “We are looking at the northeast to invest in oil production and exploration of shale gas. American technology can also help Indian companies for safe and efficient coal mining,” she said.
 
 On US investment in West Bengal after the change in the regime, Payne said: "I met with the chief minister (Mamata Banerjee) and the finance minister (Amit Mitra) to explore what are the opportunities. We are very keen to hear from the government about its priorities.” 
 
 She said the US wanted more openness in agriculture in West Bengal.
 
 “West Bengal needs cold storages... we have expertise in cold storage chains,” she added.