India has delivered 38,000 metric tonnes (t) of petroleum to Sri Lanka, comprising 20,000 t of diesel and 18,000 t of petrol, the Indian High Commission in Colombo said on Saturday. The supply was provided after a request to the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) amid disruptions to regular shipments caused by the war in West Asia. The consignment is intended as rescue supplies to maintain continuity of fuel availability in Sri Lanka. The delivery was reported on March 28, 2026.

The development followed a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake that addressed the conflict and energy cooperation. The external affairs minister also spoke with his Sri Lankan counterpart on related issues, underlining diplomatic engagement to resolve supply challenges. Officials reported that some contracted suppliers invoked force majeure owing to vessel unavailability and supply disruptions. Diplomatic channels were used to coordinate immediate logistics and to monitor vessel availability.

The Government of India, through IOCL and Lanka IOC, moved to support Sri Lanka after the suppliers indicated inability to deliver products from West Asia and Singapore. Sri Lanka IOC had previously secured sources for March but faced cancellations and delays, prompting the request for rescue supplies. The intervention aims to prevent shortages and stabilise domestic fuel distribution in Colombo. The companies involved coordinated port schedules and tanker allocations to expedite the consignment.

Energy officials said the delivery is part of broader cooperation to mitigate impacts of global supply chain disturbances and to maintain essential services. Sri Lanka has responded to the market pressures by raising fuel prices by 25 per cent as the conflict affected imports. The shipment is expected to ensure short term continuity while longer term arrangements are pursued diplomatically. Authorities indicated that the consignment will be integrated into existing distribution networks to reduce pressure on retail outlets.