Gas Authority of India Ltd has mooted 'India CNG consortium' to take up gas distribution projects abroad even as it is in talks with global energy players to jointly bid for gas and oil blocks under the fourth round of new exploration and licensing policy.

"Based on experience in distribution of compressed natural gas in Delhi, we are working on an idea to form a consortium of Indian auto companies and gas dispension machinery makers to pursue gas distribution projects", Gail chairman and managing director Proshanto Banerjee told reporters on Wednesday.

"We have received clear expression of interest from five countries including Turkey, Iran, Banlgadesh and Phillipines for gas distribution activity," Banerjee said.

GAIL along with global oil major Shell was working on plans for city gas distribution project in Egypt, he said adding such projects help protect environment with the use of clean fuel.

Within the country, Gail has identified five cities -- Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Pune and Faridabad -- for CNG distribution work, he added.

On the bidding for blocks under NELP-IV, Banerjee said, "We are talking to half a dozen players, including Premier Oil, to form a partnership for exploration work."

Banerjee said Gail does not have necessary expertise in operating and developing fields and this part would be looked after by prospective partners.