11 companies permitted to import and sell fuel to private sector in US dollars View(s):By Feizal SamathThe government has permitted 11 companies, with a valid bunker licence, to independently import fuel and sell it to any private-sector entity that can pay for the supply, strictly in US dollars, to overcome pressure on oil stocks imported by state agencies for public use. Udayanga Hemapala, have been authorised to sell fuel, including diesel, low-sulphur fuel and high-sulphur fuel, to exporters, power generation companies, registered tourism service providers, licenced telecommunication providers, and (any) other industries for three months with effect from March 17. The companies are Lanka OIC, Lanka Marine Services Pvt Ltd, Lanka Maritime Services Ltd, Lanka Bunkering Services Pvt Ltd, Moceti International Pvt Ltd, InterOcean Energy Pvt Ltd, McMarine Pvt Ltd, Sinopec Fuel Oil Lanka Pvt Ltd, Spence Sea Horse Marine Pvt Ltd, Serdaka Global Pvt Ltd, Hawks Colombo Pvt Ltd and FitsOil Pvt Ltd. The government’s move to allow private sector fuel sales, precipitated by the fuel supply crisis owing to the turbulence in West Asia, comes on the back of a March 11 submission to the government by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. It also recommended adopting a strategic approach to fuel procurement, including exploring supply arrangements with a broader pool of international suppliers.

Source: Sunday Times March 21, 2026 19:44 UTC