Business of refining of crude oil - Whether it will be regarded as priority industry for the purposes of deduction under the section - Income Tax - 57/1971

Circular 57 Dated 23/3/1971 SECTION 80-I - PROFITS AND GAINS FROM INDUSTRIES AFTER CERTAIN DATE Business of refining of crude oil - Whether it will be regarded as priority industry for the purposes of deduction under the section A question has been raised whether a company carrying on the business of refining crude oil into motor spirit, aviation spirit, kerosene and allied articles can be said to be engaged in the manufacture or production of "mineral oil" for purposes of calculating the super tax rebate under the Finance Act, 1964 and the Finance Act, 1965. The Board have been advised that the term "mineral oil" covers both crude oil (crude petroleum) and the liquid products derived from crude petroleum which are in the nature of mixtures of hydrocarbons, namely, motor spirit, kerosene and other allied articles. It, therefore, follows that the profits and gains attributable to the business of refining of crude oil would qualify for higher rebate in respect of super tax available in relation to the profits and gains attributable to the business of manufacture and production of mineral oil under the Finance Act, 1964, and the Finance Act, 1965, provided the other conditions specified in this behalf are fulfilled. 2. On a parity of reasoning, the business of refining of crude oil will be regarded as priority industry for purposes of section 80-I and section 80M and also as business of manufacture or production of mineral oil, for purposes of calculating the development rebate in respect of machinery and plant under section 33. Circular : No. 57 [F. No. 156(26)/71 - TPL], dated 23-3-1971.