SpiceJet operations grounded as oil companies stop fuel supply


Flight operations of cash-strapped SpiceJet were grounded on Wednesday due to non-supply of jet fuel by oil marketing companies.

"Not even a single flight has taken off till this morning due to fuel supply issue with the oil companies," sources told PTI.

The state-run oil marketing firms have not yet taken a decision on the resumption of jet fuel supply to SpiceJet on a two-weeks credit facility, they said.



When contacted, an airline spokesperson said operations were likely to be "normal" shortly.

Coming out to the rescue of the beleaguered carrier, the civil aviation ministry had on Tuesday said it will request the oil companies and the airport operators to extend a 15-day credit facility to SpiceJet in a bid to save the airline from shutting down.

The aviation ministry had said it may request Indian banks/financial institutions to extended loans of upto Rs 600 crore to the airline as part of measures to keep the carrier functional.

Besides, it will also request the finance ministry to permit external commercial borrowing (ECB) for working capital as special dispensation.


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