Sri Lanka turns to Russia to stabilise fuel supply

• India also conveys positive response to Sri Lanka’s request to secure fuel supplies 

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya 

In response to disruptions in global fuel supply networks caused by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Sri Lanka has initiated high-level diplomatic discussions to secure its energy needs from Russia.  Following the lifting of international sanctions on the purchase of Russian oil, an emergency meeting was held yesterday between the Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Levan S. Dzhagaryan, and Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath. 

During these crucial talks, the Foreign Minister discussed the potential purchase of Russian fuel as a strategic step to maintain the uninterrupted continuity of Sri Lanka’s fuel supply.

The Ministry said that Ambassador Dzhagaryan responded favourably, agreeing to immediately communicate Sri Lanka’s request to the Russian government. Furthermore, he promised to coordinate with the relevant Russian institutions to expedite the necessary logistical arrangements. 

Reaffirming the strong bilateral ties between the two nations, the Russian Ambassador said that Sri Lanka can count on Russia’s support at any time. 

The high-level meeting was also attended by the Deputy Minister of Labour, Finance and Planning, Anil Jayantha, the Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), D. J. Rajakaruna, along with several ministry secretaries and senior government officials. 

The United States issued a 30-day waiver for ​countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products currently stranded at sea, in what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said was a step to stabilise ‌global energy markets roiled by the Iran war. 

In a parallel diplomatic effort to ensure energy security, Sri Lanka has also requested fuel assistance from India to ensure energy security. 

The Ministry said India has conveyed a positive response to the request and that necessary action is already being taken regarding this.