Fuel crisis: India sends 38,000 metric tonnes of fuel to Sri Lanka

NEW DELHI/COLOMBO: India has stepped in to support Sri Lanka amid a fuel crisis triggered by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. As part of its “Neighbourhood First” policy, India delivered 38,000 metric tonnes of fuel to Colombo, including 20,000 metric tonnes of diesel and 18,000 metric tonnes of petrol. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in a post on X for India’s timely assistance during the crisis.

The fuel shortage in Sri Lanka was caused by the conflict between Israel and Iran, along with disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route. During the crisis, President Dissanayake held discussions with Prime Minister Modi, following which India moved quickly to send emergency fuel supplies to Colombo port. The shipment was delivered through the Indian Oil Corporation.

Sri Lanka had been largely dependent on fuel imports from West Asia and Singapore. However, as the conflict escalated, suppliers halted shipments to the island nation, worsening the shortage. Prime Minister Modi said India and Sri Lanka will continue to work together as trusted partners to strengthen regional security and energy cooperation.