Indian carriers troubled by a financial crunch on Wednesday got time until March 2009 to clear their dues, estimated at about Rs 2,500-2,800 crore, to oil companies in equated monthly installments. The decision was taken at a meeting called by Petroleum Minister Murli Deora with airline bosses and Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel to work out ways to help airlines stay afloat without hurting the interests of oil firms.