Sri Lanka and Thailand impose fuel rationing as Middle East war drives up oil costs
Mar 16th 2026
Colombo and Bangkok have rolled out temporary fuel-rationing policies as a spike in oil prices and supply risk from the war in the Middle East strains imports, raises costs and threatens short-term economic pressure.
- Sri Lanka and Thailand introduced temporary fuel-rationing measures this month after supply worries tied to the Middle East conflict.
- Rationing applies to both retail motorists and commercial transport to conserve national fuel stocks.
- Global oil and shipping insurance costs rose after the conflict increased risks to crude exports and tanker routes.
- Longer queues and tighter supplies are already adding pressure to transport and food prices for consumers.
- Authorities describe the measures as temporary while they work to secure alternate imports and manage reserves.
- Economists warn that prolonged disruptions could slow growth and push inflation higher