Intent on securing a foothold in US, ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) has reportedly hired a specialist lobbying firm in the US to present its case to American lawmakers on issues related to its oil and gas operations in India. It will also focus on the future US oil and gas market.

Owing to its interests in sanction hit countries, OVL so far has failed to enter the US shale gas business.

According to a news report in the Business Line, the ONGC group, has given US an assurance that it will adhere to the conditions laid down against dealing with sanctions-hit countries, such as Iran. The sanctions specify restrictions on import and export of crude oil, petroleum and petrochemical products into or out of Iran. They also limit the investments in providing goods or services to support Iran’s development of petroleum resources.

However, the group continues its business links with Iran, which includes crude sourcing by Mangalore Refinery & Petrochemicals Ltd and exploration interests by OVL.

To avoid US and EU sanctions, the government has been looking to create a separate company to develop an oil and gas block in Iran. Considering prime minister Manmohan Singh’s impending visit to the US later this month, officials chose to remain non-committal and played this down.