China Continues Fuel and Fertiliser Support to Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); China is continuing to provide fuel and fertiliser assistance to Sri Lanka, extending critical support as the country faces issued triggered by global disruptions linked to wars in the Middle East, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong has said.

The Ambassador stressed that whenever Sri Lanka encounters difficulty, China has consistently been the first to step forward with assistance. He said that even amid the current international crisis, China continues to support Sri Lanka in overcoming fuel shortages and agricultural challenges.

As Sri Lanka engages with several countries to secure fuel supplies, Ambassador Qi said China remains the only country that has so far provided fuel assistance. “Only China, only China has provided fuel assistance, only China,” he emphasised.

He noted that China itself faces fuel constraints, importing more than 76 percent of its oil from overseas each year, yet continues to share Sri Lanka’s burden. Despite its own dependency on imported energy, China is making every effort to help Sri Lanka overcome its difficulties, he said.

The Ambassador highlighted continued fuel deliveries through Sinopec, stating that an oil shipment reached Sri Lanka last month, followed by another delivery this month after overcoming logistical challenges. In addition to these shipments, he confirmed that the Chinese government itself will continue to provide fuel assistance to Sri Lanka.

Beyond fuel, Ambassador Qi underlined China’s ongoing support for Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector, particularly during the Yala cultivation season, when fertiliser is essential for rice production.

He said fertiliser shortages have emerged globally due to a lack of natural gas, which is required to produce urea. “Without liquefied natural gas, urea cannot be produced,” he said, noting that many countries are currently facing shortages.

Despite these constraints, the Ambassador confirmed that China will export fertiliser to Sri Lanka, ensuring that farmers have access to critical inputs needed to plant paddy during the Yala season.