Sri Lanka in Talks With Russia on Oil Purchases; No Talks Yet With Iran on Oil Imports

by Zulfick Farzan 24-03-2026 | 5:28 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka is currently engaged in discussions with Russia regarding the purchase of oil, and Russia’s Deputy Energy Minister is expected to visit the country in the near future, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Addressing the matter, the minister said discussions with Russia are taking place at a diplomatic level.

He noted that in the recent past, Sri Lanka did not have the ability to procure oil from Russia, and the government is now exploring whether such purchases can be facilitated through government-to-government agreements.

Minister Jayatissa said the anticipated visit of the Russian Deputy Energy Minister would allow these discussions to be carried forward in a more formal and structured manner.

He also clarified that no discussions have so far taken place regarding the procurement of oil from Iran. Referring to the challenges associated with obtaining oil from Iran, the minister said that some countries which own shipping vessels are able to derive benefits under such circumstances, but Sri Lanka does not have that capability.

On Monday (23), Iran assured Sri Lanka of its full support in the event of an energy or oil shortage, with Tehran pledging to provide oil and other essential supplies if the island nation faces disruptions due to escalating regional tensions.

The assurance was given by Dr. Alireza Delkosh, Ambassador of Iran to Sri Lanka, in response to concerns over Sri Lanka’s energy security should the current geopolitical situation worsen.

He emphasized that Iran remains prepared to supply oil and other essential goods if Sri Lanka makes a formal request, underlining Tehran’s commitment to supporting Colombo during times of difficulty.

Meanwhile, the minister said that several orders have already been placed for both crude oil and refined petroleum products. He noted that tenders related to these orders have been opened, and another tender is scheduled to be opened today (24).

According to Minister Jayatissa, based on the tenders that have already been opened, Sri Lanka expects to receive a number of oil shipments in April. He said fuel supply management in the coming period will be carried out based on the quantities received through these tenders.