Sri Lanka Requests Additional Fuel Supplies from India

13-Mar-2026

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Sri Lanka has requested additional fuel supplies from India in order to ensure uninterrupted distribution amid instability in the global oil market caused by the conflict situation in the Middle East.

Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that requests for diesel supplies have been received from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Maldives.

He noted that India is a major exporter of refined petroleum products to neighbouring countries. However, final decisions on these requests would depend on India’s domestic demand, refining capacity and available reserves.

He further pointed out that Bangladesh has been receiving diesel supplies from India since 2017 through pipeline and rail transport, and that current regional requirements are being carefully assessed.

Sri Lanka’s Minister Nalinda Jayatissa recently stated that of the 21 fuel shipments received by Sri Lanka over the past four months, 17 had arrived from India, while the remainder came from Singapore and Oman.

He also noted that fuel shipments from Singapore are scheduled to continue until April.

According to the government, additional fuel shipments from Singapore are expected to arrive on March 27 and 30, as well as April 8 and 9.

Authorities emphasised that the QR code fuel distribution system will only be reintroduced if a major supply disruption occurs. At present there is no such necessity.

The government urged the public not to engage in unnecessary fuel hoarding so that supply can continue without disruption.

It is also noteworthy that with the price of crude oil exceeding 100 US dollars per barrel in the international market due to the Middle East conflict, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation increased fuel prices in Sri Lanka from March 9 midnight.