The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has confirmed that Sri Lanka's fuel supply is secured for an extended period, with petrol (Octane 92 and 95) reserves now sufficient until the end of June and diesel supplies secured until the end of May. This assurance comes amidst ongoing efforts to manage the nation's energy needs and mitigate the impact of global tensions.
In a significant development, the first crude oil shipment since the Middle East conflict began arrived in Colombo on April 17th, carrying 97,500 Metric Tonnes (MT) of crude oil from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This crucial delivery was confirmed by CPC Managing Director Dr. Mayura Neththikumarage, who also stated that three more fuel tankers are expected this month. Additionally, an American crude oil tanker (WTI), previously scheduled for late May, has begun its journey to Sri Lanka, with fueling completed on April 16th.
To ease access during the festive season, the QR code system for petrol vehicles was temporarily suspended from April 11th until April 18th. This measure, announced by CPC Chairman D.J. Rajakaruna, aimed to facilitate travel during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. However, the odd/even number plate system for fuel distribution remained in effect during this period. Earlier, on April 1st, a special provision allowed all vehicles, regardless of number plate, to obtain fuel under the QR system, acknowledging the consecutive odd-numbered dates (March 31st and April 1st) and the Poya holiday. The odd/even system resumed from April 2nd.
Dr. Neththikumarage has consistently affirmed that there is no risk of a fuel shortage in the country, despite Middle East tensions, crediting the industry's adaptation through alternative methods. He did, however, request the public to use fuel sparingly during the festive season. While Russian fuel supplies for April and May are largely confirmed, logistical and technical arrangements for arrivals are still being finalized, with delays primarily due to congestion at Sri Lanka's main unloading terminals.
Recent shipments bolstering the nation's reserves include:
* 32,000 MT of Diesel and 8,000 MT of Jet-A1 fuel arrived on April 2nd.
* A third diesel ship arrived on April 8th.
* A shipment of 30,000 MT of furnace oil for electricity generation arrived on April 13th, helping to avoid power cuts.
* 36,700 MT of Octane 92 petrol from India arrived on April 15th, with immediate unloading and distribution underway.
In total, 12 refined fuel shipments are scheduled to arrive in April. Foreign Affairs Minister Wijitha Herath previously indicated that the government has successfully managed the energy crisis, suggesting that the Wednesday holiday could be reinstated as a working day and the QR fuel system and odd/even system might be removed in the future.
Separately, the government has approved Cabinet relief, effective March 22, 2026, to stabilize fuel prices. This involves the government covering losses for oil companies, up to Rs. 20 per liter for Octane 92 petrol and Rs. 100 per liter for Auto Diesel, if import costs exceed stated selling prices.