Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has expressed his appreciation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for promptly sending an emergency fuel shipment to help the country manage ongoing supply shortages caused by the conflict in West Asia. The shipment, which arrived in Colombo on Saturday, included 38,000 metric tonnes of fuel, comprising 20,000 tonnes of diesel and 18,000 tonnes of petrol. It was delivered through the local operations of the Indian Oil Corporation, specifically via Lanka IOC, as part of India’s emergency assistance to Sri Lanka during a period of growing energy uncertainty.
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In a message shared on social media, President Dissanayake said he had recently discussed the fuel shortage with Prime Minister Modi and acknowledged India’s quick response. He also extended his gratitude to India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for his role in coordinating the support. The development has drawn attention within Sri Lanka’s political circles. Accordingly, Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa welcomed India’s assistance, describing it as a clear example of its “Neighbourhood First” approach. He noted that India has consistently stepped in during times of crisis, providing not only essential supplies but also broader economic support when needed.
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Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is dealing with a deteriorating energy crisis, owing mostly to interruptions in global gasoline supplies caused by rising hostilities in West Asia. Accordingly, many people across the country have been affected by this crisis. The Administration’s implementation of fuel-saving initiatives, which include a 4-day workweek for public sector employees have impacted the general public and the government sectors. Additionally, changes to the general operation of many public sector organizations, schools, and colleges are impacting schedules, and the services available via public transportation are also being restricted. Banks have reduced their working hours, while numerous private enterprises have switched to remote work arrangements to save energy.
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Fuel costs have risen dramatically in recent weeks as a result of increasing military activity by the United States and Israel against Iran. The situation worsened earlier this month, with assaults on critical energy infrastructure like oil tankers, refineries, and liquefied natural gas installations, significantly straining global supply lines. Earlier, Sri Lanka had contacted India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to seek potential assistance in preserving energy stability during the critical situation. As fuel supplies became limited, the government implemented a quota system on March 15 to avoid panic purchasing and lengthy lines at gas stations. Authorities further cautioned that anyone who violated these regulations would face serious legal consequences. Despite these problems, the Energy Ministry has assured the public that current fuel stocks are expected to be sufficient to meet the country’s needs until the end of May.
