India sends 38,000 metric tonnes of fuel to support Sri Lanka

India delivered 38,000 metric tonnes (MT) of petroleum to Sri Lanka, including 20,000 MT of diesel and 18,000 MT of petrol, the Indian High Commission in Colombo said in a statement on Saturday (March 28, 2026).

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath also held a telephone conversation on March 23, 2026, the High Commission said.

Also read: West Asia war updates on March 28, 2026

The development comes after a phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on March 24, 2026, with a focus on the war in West Asia, disruption in global supply chains, and energy cooperation between New Delhi and Colombo.

Sri Lanka IOC had earlier secured fuel supplies for March from West Asia and Singapore, the Commission added. However, the ‘suppliers with whom the contracts were placed expressed their inability to deliver the product and invoked force Majeure, in view of supply disruptions and vessel unavailability due’ to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

India was requested to provide 38,000 MT of rescue supplies through IOCL. The Government of India, via Lanka IOC, is supporting Sri Lanka in maintaining fuel supply continuity, the statement added.