Sri Lanka Jails Man for Hoarding 4 Litres of Fuel Amid Crisis

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Colombo: A court in Sri Lanka has sentenced a 48-year-old man to three weeks in jail for hoarding four litres of petrol amid a worsening fuel crisis linked to the Middle East conflict.

The magistrate in Nikaweratiya, about 125 km from Colombo, also imposed a fine of 1,500 rupees ($5). The man had initially claimed the fuel was for personal use, but authorities charged him with hoarding and attempting to sell it on the black market during a period of strict rationing.

Sri Lanka is currently enforcing fuel distribution controls, with motorists allowed to purchase fuel on alternate days as supplies tighten. Officials say diesel stocks are expected to last until mid-May, while petrol reserves may run out about a week later.

Fuel prices in the country have surged by roughly one-third following disruptions to global energy markets after strikes involving the United States and Israel on Iran.

Amid the crisis, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has held talks with Russian Deputy Energy Minister Roman Marshavin on securing additional oil supplies. Russia has indicated its willingness to support Sri Lanka in managing the impact of the ongoing conflict.