FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – Sri Lanka has restricted fuel supply to all motorists with effect from Sunday (15) citing “the prevailing geopolitical developments in Middle East,” the government said.

Though the government originally said it has enough fuel supply for nearly a month, it later increased fuel prices to deter high usage and stated that its estimation included fuel shipments already ordered.

“In light of the prevailing geopolitical developments in Middle East, the petroleum product supply chain has been adversely affected,” the Ministry of Energy said in a statement.

“At the same time, the demand for fuel has increased abnormally, resulting in a depletion of the country’s existing fuel stock. Therefore, it has become necessary to carefully manage the available fuel reserves in order to sustain the nation’s economic activities.”

The Ministry also said certain groups have been illegally purchasing excessive quantities of fuel, and the government intends to prevent such improper consumption to ensure an uninterrupted fuel supply for the general public’s day-to-day needs and economic activities.

The government has urged all motorists to obtain a QR code via https://fuelpass.gov.lk/ as per instruction given in the video below:

https://FINANCIAL CHRONICLE.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/QR-English.mp4

(Colombo/March 15/2026)