Govt set to decide on Kingfisher’s request for ATF imports

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • reni_shin2
    • Aug 2007
    • 9595

    Govt set to decide on Kingfisher’s request for ATF imports

    Govt set to decide on Kingfisher’s request for ATF imports
    With Kingfisher asking the Government to show “sense of urgency” on its plea for direct import of jet fuel, the Commerce Ministry is set to take a decision in the next three-four days without consulting states.

    “It would not take more than three to four days....The decision is fairly in advanced stage. The consultation has been completed with the stakeholders,” Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Anup K Pujari told reporters after a meeting with Kingfisher promoter Vijay Mallya here.

    Pujari said the Government is examining three options- to change the policy in entirety removing monopoly of the state enterprises like IOC to import aviation turbine fuel (ATF); to permit only the applicant (Kingfisher) to go in for ATF imports; or to allow such facility to whosoever makes an application.

    The troubled Kingfisher has applied for ATF imports, as the move would help its save local taxes, mainly high sales taxes imposed by State Governments. Sales tax on jet fuel varies from four per cent in Andhra Pradesh to 40 per cent.

    Asked whether the Commerce Ministry has consulted State Governments, as they would lose revenue, Pujari said, “We have not...Because we know they will not approve it”.Mallya said the application for direct ATF imports was made in 2008 by Deccan Aviation (which was taken over by Kingfisher).

    “I have said to him (DGFT) that with very high international crude prices, there is a sense of urgency. Kindly decide...,” he said.

    The Kingfisher promoter said his visit to the CommerceMinistry is a “routine follow-up” to the proposal before the government.

    Mallya said: “We have made an application.. Like you make an application for anything in a smaller way, you follow up...DGFT said that there is nothing outstanding (issue).”

    On the second debt restructuring plans for his airlines e said, soon there would be something to hear.

    Kingfisher has an outstanding loan of about Rs 6,419 crore.

    During the first phase of restructuring, State Bank of India had an exposure of Rs 1,457 crore, followed by IDBI Bank Rs 727 crore, Punjab National Bank Rs 710 crore, Bank of India Rs 575 crore and BoB Rs 537 crore, in the company.
Working...
X