Govt seeks interim dividend from state oil cos

NEW DELHI: As part of efforts to bridge the fiscal deficit, the government is considering a proposal for payment of interim dividend by state-owned oil companies, a top government official said today.
"Government is considering a suggestion whether interim dividend can be paid by oil PSUs. The matter will be further discussed with the oil companies," Petroleum Secretary B K Chaturvedi told reporeters after a meeting of government officials, including Disinvestment Secretary Dhirender Singh and Advisor to the Finance Minister Vijay Kelkar.
Last year, the oil companies paid interim dividend of Rs 2,687 crore, he said, adding the PSUs earned profits of Rs 10,300 crore during the first half of this fiscal.