## 📈 SL Explores Oil Imports from Africa & US Amid Middle East Unrest

The Sri Lankan Government is seeking alternative short-term sources for crude oil and refined petroleum products to mitigate supply risks from escalating Middle Eastern tensions. • Diversification Strategy: Exploring procurement from Africa and the US to shift reliance from traditional suppliers in India, Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea. • Price Stability: Current purchases are primarily managed via term tenders rather than spot markets, providing a buffer against immediate global volatility. • Fuel Pricing: Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that immediate price revisions are difficult to forecast due to geopolitical uncertainty; the government aims to minimize consumer impact. • Energy Security: The move reflects a proactive shift toward energy diversification to ensure national supply continuity during regional conflicts in the Gulf.