Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that although the country has sufficient fuel stocks until mid-April, some ordered shipments will not arrive on schedule due to the escalating tensions in the Middle East.
He said the government has already taken steps to secure the required fuel from friendly nations and has called for urgent tenders.
Speaking at a special press conference this evening, President Dissanayake said the government has planned to take every possible step to ensure that economic activities and public life continue without disruption.
Explaining the situation further, the President said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has disrupted global value chains, including production and supply networks.
“We had offered a long-term tender for two 90,000-ton fuel shipments, but the suppliers have informed us that those deliveries will be delayed. Meanwhile, supplies expected from a private sector supplier have also been delayed. Due to these reasons, we are facing a shortfall in supply,” he said.
He added that because Sri Lanka has limited storage and handling facilities, even a delay in a single shipment can significantly affect the smooth operation of fuel distribution.
“However, we have carefully assessed the situation and are managing it. Our challenge is to continue economic activity while ensuring that public life remains uninterrupted,” the President said.
He further stated that a special surveillance committee has been appointed to closely monitor the situation and make urgent decisions when necessary.
“We have taken several decisions to ensure an uninterrupted fuel supply. We are cooperating with friendly nations and have opened urgent tenders for petrol, diesel and crude oil from reliable suppliers to cover the delayed shipments. In addition, a separate diesel tender will be opened tomorrow,” he said.
The President noted that the premium for urgent purchases could exceed USD 3 per barrel, meaning fuel prices may be higher than usual.
He also said the government is prepared to explore every possible market source to secure adequate supplies, while following government procurement procedures and obtaining Cabinet approval through an expert panel.
Meanwhile, the government has also decided to allow dollar-earning sectors such as exporters and tourism operators to import fuel using foreign currency and sell it in dollars starting tomorrow.
