The Energy Minister is expressing frustration with the billions of dollars in revenue owed by Petrotrin.

Not for the first time Minister Franklyn Khan says this is totally unacceptable.

Speaking during the Spot Light on Energy Conference in Port of Spain yesterday Minister Khan said Petrotrin was in debt to the government in the tune of 2 billion dollars.

He said the amount has since been increasing by tens of millions per month.

Minister Khan also said international upstream oil and gas companies operating here have not been doing any better at paying taxes and royalties.

Without calling any names, Minister Khan spoke about some companies which record high profits but are failing to pay the State.

He said there is a feeling by many that the gradual increase in oil and gas prices means things are nice, but this is no longer the case.