Saturday 28 April 2012

TIME TO DELIST OIL MARKETING COMPANIES?


The government of India is having a majority stake in the Oil marketing companies (OMC). But these companies aren’t doing well. Is it because the government controls it? The answer lies within the question. Hit by High crude prices, excise duty, under recoveries are the main reason for downslide of OMCs.

Look at this!  Many retail investors are investing in these OMCs. Since the government is having a majority stake in these companies and due to political compulsions, prices at which they sell their products are not in line with international prices, these OMCs are forced to go in to losses in order for the government to survive at the centre.

It’s completely ridiculous.  By having larger stake, government cannot take the other stakeholders concerned with these OMCs for a ride. They have to consider the interest of shareholders. Shareholders are not getting the appropriate returns, as they should receive, like any other listed company. So what’s the whole point of having these companies listed? Why not delist them if they their performance is restricted in order to save the government and its vote banks. Or is it because the government is dictated by one person?

The ultimate aim of government is to provide petroleum and its products at a lower rate to the common man. Though Petroleum prices have been de regulated, but the government is still controlling it. Why is it that we still see oil companies want an increase in prices of petrol, but they are not able to increase it at the same time? Decontrol is only for namesake. But if the GoI is seriously concerned, then they should deregulate the prices and let the market decide it. Else if they want to go on with the existing policy, its better they delist the OMCs. What the point of having these companies listed, if they can’t generate profits and are give returns to the stakeholders involved.  Banks, investors, suppliers and many more are involved. We cannot let OMCs be the next Air India.

These issues need to be addressed and a quick decision needs to be taken soon.

1 comment:

  1. To add further,

    1. one side government wants to increase prices and on the other side it gives subsidies for the reduced price at which the OMCs are selling the fuel.., what s the point of doing 2 things which gives ultimately no impact..., the hidden fact is selling fuel at a reduced price is fact and getting subsidies from govt is like illusion..

    Neither it helps OMCs nor the society

    2. The indirect taxes what the government levy in form of VAT is absolutely astronomical...

    atleast other states shud take goa as example....

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