Flight operations of cash-strapped Spice Jet were grounded today due to no supply of jet fuel by oil marketing companies. Sources say, not even a single flight has taken off this morning due to fuel supply issue with the oil companies.

The state-run oil marketing firms have not yet taken a decision on the resumption of fuel supply to Spice Jet on a two-weeks credit facility. An airline spokesperson said, operations are likely to be normal soon.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Mahesh Sharma today said that government is not bound to take decision in favour of any particular company in SpiceJet Airlines case.

He, however, said the Centre will take steps to protect the interest of aviation industry. Replying to a media query outside Parliament over grounding of Spice Jet Airlines, Mr. Sharma said that shutting down of any company is not good. He said that the government has discussed all aspects of the issue and will take a decision in the wider interest of passengers.

About the government asking banks to extend loans to the airline to keep it functional, the Minister said that the banks take decision on their inputs and credibility of the company.

Earlier, coming to the rescue of the beleaguered carrier, the Civil Aviation Ministry had yesterday said, it will request the oil companies and the airport operators to extend a 15-day credit facility to Spice Jet. The Aviation Ministry had said it may request banks and financial institutions to extend loans of up to Rs 600 crore to keep the carrier functional.