The Sri Lankan government has initiated diplomatic discussions with Russia to explore the possibility of obtaining fuel through government-to-government agreements, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.
Speaking at the Cabinet media briefing, the Minister stated that talks are currently underway at a diplomatic level, with a focus on establishing state-level agreements to ensure a stable fuel supply.
High-Level Visit Expected
Minister Jayatissa also revealed that Russia’s Deputy Energy Minister is expected to visit Sri Lanka in the near future, during which further discussions on fuel procurement will take place.
“Discussions with Russia are ongoing at the diplomatic level. We are exploring whether fuel can be secured through agreements between governments,” he said.
Iran Offer Acknowledged but Limited
Commenting on a recent statement by the Iranian Ambassador expressing willingness to supply fuel to Sri Lanka, the Minister said the government appreciates the offer but faces logistical constraints.
“Countries that own ships can benefit from such opportunities. However, Sri Lanka currently does not have that capacity,” he noted.
Fuel Orders Already Placed
The Minister confirmed that Sri Lanka has already placed several orders for both crude and refined fuel, with tenders currently being processed.
According to him:
- Multiple tenders have already been opened
- Additional tenders are scheduled to be opened shortly
- Several fuel shipments are expected to arrive in April
Managing Supply Amid Challenges
Minister Jayatissa emphasised that the government is working to manage fuel supplies carefully through a combination of ongoing imports and diplomatic efforts.
“We are relying on incoming shipments and tenders to manage our fuel requirements while continuing discussions with potential partners,” he added.
The government’s engagement with Russia reflects ongoing efforts to secure reliable energy sources amid global supply uncertainties and domestic demand pressures.
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