The ministers will include Federal Minister for Resources and Energy Martin Ferguson, a speaker at the conference, and Northern Territory Minister for Mines and Energy Chris Natt.

The council meeting and SEAAOC come at a time when oil prices are approaching $US140 a barrel, oil producers are being lobbied to lift production and the Australian Government has been called on to cut petrol prices.

NT Chief Minister Paul Henderson will host the SEAAOC welcome reception on July 16 and open the conference with an address outlining his government's vision for Darwin as an oil and gas service and supply industry hub.

www.seaaoc.com