Major impact on energy sector due to Middle East conflict – President
March 17, 2026 07:50 pm
Sri Lanka’s fuel, gas and coal supply will have a major bearing owing to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake noted.
President Dissanayake said accordingly the present government has already appointed a surveillance committee to monitor the developments and its impact on Sri Lanka.
President Dissanayake made these assertions while addressing a special press conference concerning the current situation in Sri Lanka.
The President noted that Sri Lanka has clearly made its stance pertaining to the on-going conflict.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the conflict will have a major bearing on the energy sector and therefore the government has already appointed a surveillance committee to monitor the developments and its impact on Sri Lanka.
The President also said temporary permits have been issued to US dollar denominated businesses to import fuel and sell them to the tourism and export sectors from tomorrow.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake confirmed that 38,000 metric tons of liquefied petroleum gas have already been imported into the country for the month of March.
the President stated that an additional 33,000 metric tons of LP gas are expected to arrive within the next two days. The President added that these shipments will help stabilize the domestic gas supply and meet current demand.
On the issue of fuel supply, the President elaborated:
“We had awarded long-term tenders for fuel, but we are unable to receive two long-term tenders—specifically two ships carrying 90,000 metric tons—on time. Reports indicate that one shipment from our private oil suppliers will also not arrive as scheduled. This has created a shortfall in the fuel supply. Even a delay of a single shipment has significant effects on the entire network. Therefore, we are unable to receive the targeted fuel supply on schedule.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake further stated that discussions are ongoing through diplomatic channels to secure additional supplies of gas, coal, and fuel, and that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure continuity.
On the recently introduced QR code system, the President acknowledged minor issues: “We were aware that some problems could arise, which is why we specifically chose a Sunday for the rollout. Already, over five million people have registered. We implemented this system knowing there could be challenges in a national-level network.”
Finally, President Dissanayake also reassured that strategic fuel reserves are being maintained for essential services. Ministries are implementing measures to ensure that fuel allocations via the QR system are sufficient, and adjustments will be made if necessary to prevent disruptions, the President added.
