Sri Lanka has jailed a 48-year-old man for three weeks after he admitted to hoarding just four litres of petrol during a severe nationwide fuel shortage.
The case was heard by a magistrate in Nikaweratiya, about 125 kilometres from the capital Colombo, where the court also imposed a fine of 1,500 Sri Lankan rupees, around $5.
Authorities said the man initially claimed the petrol was for his lawnmower, but he was later charged with hoarding fuel and attempting to sell it on the black market.
Strict Fuel Rationing in Place
Sri Lanka is currently facing strict fuel controls as supplies tighten. Motorists are only allowed to purchase fuel on alternate days under a rationing system designed to manage limited resources.
Officials say diesel stocks may last until mid-May, while petrol supplies could run out about a week later if conditions do not improve.
The arrest highlights how seriously authorities are treating fuel violations during the crisis.
Middle East War Driving Fuel Shortage
The shortage has been triggered by global supply disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Fuel prices in Sri Lanka have risen by nearly one-third since the conflict escalated, putting additional pressure on the country’s already fragile economy. The island nation, which relies heavily on fuel imports, has struggled to cope with rising costs and supply uncertainty.
Govt Seeks External Support
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has held discussions with Russian officials to secure additional oil supplies. According to officials, Russia has expressed willingness to assist Sri Lanka in dealing with the energy crisis.
A statement quoted a visiting Russian minister as saying that Russia is ready to support Sri Lanka in facing challenges caused by the Middle East conflict.
Tough Measures Reflect Deepening Crisis
Sri Lanka has faced fuel shortages before, particularly during its 2022 economic crisis, when long queues formed outside petrol stations and daily life was severely disrupted.
The latest developments show that the country is once again under pressure as global energy markets remain unstable.
Authorities say strict enforcement, including jail terms, is necessary to prevent black market activity and ensure fair distribution of fuel.
A Warning for Hoarders
The case sends a strong message that even small amounts of hoarded fuel can lead to legal action during times of national crisis. With supplies limited and demand high, officials are focusing on strict enforcement to maintain order and avoid panic buying.
