FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – Sri Lanka expressed gratitude for Iran’s offer to supply oil in the event of Colombo requests, but stated that the country does not possess a ship to explore the offer.
Iran’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka announced on Monday (23) that the oil-rich nation is prepared to provide fuel and other essential goods to Sri Lanka if requested, as the island nation faces fuel shortages and rising prices for essential goods. Currently, the country has implemented fuel rationing.
Nalinda Jayatissa, the Cabinet Spokesman and Minister of Media and Health, acknowledged the offer but indicated that Sri Lanka is unable to accept it. “A country owning a ship has the opportunity to buy Iranian oil. We don’t have that option. We are thankful for Iran’s offer,” he stated during the weekly cabinet media briefing.
“However, we have already placed orders for some crude and refined oil shipments. Tenders have been floated, and we expect to receive these fuel shipments. Even today, we are about to float a tender. Based on the tenders floated so far, we should have adequate fuel until the end of April.”
Sri Lanka is also seeking to establish a government-to-government deal with Russia for oil purchases, with Russian Deputy Energy Minister Roman Marshavin expected to visit Sri Lanka for formal discussions, Jayatissa mentioned.
However, the Cabinet Spokesman did not comment when asked why Sri Lanka is not engaging with the United States regarding oil supplies, given that the U.S. has a significant influence on current oil price fluctuations and controls Venezuelan oil reserves.
Since the U.S./Israel attack on Iran, oil prices have surged approximately 35 percent in Sri Lanka, affecting the island nation’s 22 million residents, who are facing the repercussions of increased prices, including higher transport and food costs. (Colombo/March 24/2026)
