In brief
Sri Lanka’s fuel import expenditures jumped 51.5% to $4.49 billion in the first nine months of 2026, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The rise was attributed to higher domestic fuel prices amid Middle East conflict and global supply‑chain disruptions, even as September saw a modest decline in monthly spending.
Colombo, Nov. 1 — Sri Lanka’s fuel import bill for the first nine months of 2026 rose 51.5 % to $4.49 billion, says the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s latest External Sector Performance report.
The report, dated Oct. 30, shows that the country spent $2.96 billion on fuel imports during Jan.–Sep. 2025, compared with $4.49 billion for the same period in 2026.
Despite the overall increase, fuel import spending fell slightly in September 2026. The Central Bank noted that the country spent $415.1 million on fuel imports in September, down 5.8 % from $440.7 million in September 2025.
September 2026 also marked the fifth consecutive month of a decline in monthly fuel import expenditure, although the overall bill remained well above the previous year’s level.
The sharp rise in total spending comes amid higher domestic fuel prices, the report said, following an escalation of conflict in the Middle East.
Disruptions to global energy supply chains also contributed to the climb. Restrictions affecting petroleum shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, along with elevated freight and insurance costs, pushed up crude oil and petroleum product prices.
Higher domestic fuel prices have added pressure on Sri Lanka’s energy budget. The Central Bank noted that the combination of international price spikes and logistical challenges has increased the cost of importing fuel, further affecting the country’s trade balance.
The report’s data provide insight into Sri Lanka’s external sector performance in the context of broader global energy dynamics.
