India supplies 38,000 metric tonnes of emergency fuel to Sri Lanka amid West Asia disruptions

India has delivered 38,000 metric tonnes (MT) of petroleum to Sri Lanka — comprising 20,000 MT of diesel and 18,000 MT of petrol — as Colombo grapples with supply disruptions triggered by the ongoing West Asia conflict, the Indian High Commission in Colombo said on Saturday.

“…A shipment of 38,000 MT (metric tonnes) of petroleum, of which 20,000 MT is diesel and 18,000 MT petrol, has arrived in Colombo today 28th March, 2026,” the High Commission said in a statement.

Supply chain disruptions and vessel unavailability

The emergency consignment comes after Sri Lanka faced setbacks in previously secured fuel supplies from West Asia and Singapore. According to the High Commission, suppliers invoked force majeure, citing supply chain disruptions and vessel unavailability amid escalating tensions in the region.

In response, Colombo requested India for urgent assistance. New Delhi facilitated the delivery through Indian Oil Corporation via Lanka IOC, helping Sri Lanka maintain continuity in fuel supplies during a period of heightened uncertainty.

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The development follows a series of high-level diplomatic engagements between the two countries. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath held a telephonic conversation on March 23, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on March 24.

“Spoke with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and discussed the evolving situation in West Asia, with particular focus on disruptions affecting global energy security,” PM Modi said later.

Sri Lanka thanked India 

President of Sri Lanka Anura Kumara Dissanayake taking to his X shared his telephonic conversation with PM Narendra Modi and thanked him for the support.

Spoke with PM Narendra Modi a few days ago about the fuel supply disruptions Sri Lanka is facing due to the Middle East conflict."

"Grateful for India’s swift support. 38,000 MT of fuel arrived in Colombo yesterday. My thanks also to EAM S Jaishankar for his close coordination," he added.

Leader of the Opposition party of Sri Lanka (Samagi Jana Balawegaya), Sajith Premadasa thanked India for its emergency fuel supply.

“We thank India for the emergency fuel support, a reminder that relationships are tested in crisis, not comfort. Let us not forget those who stood by us when it mattered,” he said.

Sri Lanka announced Wednesdays off amid oil surge

Sri Lanka earlier announced every Wednesday a holiday for public institutions to conserve the fuel as the island nation faces shortage of basic amenities.

Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that the nation should prepare for the worst amid the ongoing war during the emergency meeting with senior officials on Monday.

He added that both leaders reviewed progress on key initiatives aimed at strengthening India–Sri Lanka energy cooperation and enhancing regional security, underlining the broader strategic dimension of the support.