New Delhi– India will hold the 12th edition of Petrotech international conference here December 5-7 with a focus on Latin American countries, a senior official said on Monday.

“We have written letters to countries and are awaiting their response especially Latin American nations,” Petroleum Secretary K.D. Tripathi said briefing reporters here on the upcoming biggest Indian event annually dedicated to the hydrocarbons industry.

“The theme of Petrotech this year is hydrocarbon future and challenges. However the real issue that shall be discussed is energy,” said state-run oil marketer Indian Oil Corp (IOC) Chairman B. Ashok.

“IndianOil is trying to expand its crude basket by importing heavy crude such as Latin American Maya. The new refinery at Paradip (in Odisha) is likely to process 40 per cent of heavy crude such as Maya and the remaining would be lighter varieties from Kuwait,” IOC said in a statement.

IOC has recently commissioned its 15 million tonne per annum (mtpa) Paradip refinery. The company has a refining capacity of 80.7 mtpa through its 11 refineries.

“Along with the three days conference with an anticipated participation of over 100 eminent speakers and 6,000 delegates, the event will also have an exhibition with participation of over 600 exhibitors from over 50 countries,” said a Petroleum Ministry statement.