SenFin Research – News Updates – 20 March 2026

Ensure exporters receive fuel stocks without delay
In a critical response to Sri Lanka’s escalating fuel shortages driven by Middle East tensions and QR rationing. The Export Development Board (EDB) has introduced a priority programme to ensure exporters receive their essential fuel stocks without delay.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/03/20/business/969708/ensure-exporters-receive-fuel-stocks-without-delay/

Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council calls for urgent Govt. intervention to address fuel crisis
The Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council yesterday urged the Government to look into the increasingly deteriorating conditions for both exports and importers from the impacts of the Middle East war.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Sri-Lanka-Shippers-Council-calls-for-urgent-Govt-intervention-to-address-fuel-crisis/44-789788

Private sector counts early losses, wider risks from ME war
The unfolding disruptions caused by the Middle East crisis are impacting industries differently, business leaders weighed in yesterday.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/top-story/Private-sector-counts-early-losses-wider-risks-from-ME-war/26-789782

Oil surges past $ 119 amid escalating Middle East conflict
Benchmark Brent crude climbed above $ 119 a barrel yesterday, as markets reacted to a sharp escalation in Middle East tensions following Iranian strikes on regional energy infrastructure in response to Israel’s attack on the South
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Oil-surges-past-119-amid-escalating-Middle-East-conflict/44-789784

Debt-restructuring: Bondholders agree to restructure SriLankan bond
Deputy Minister of Finance Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando announced that bondholders have agreed to restructure the $ 175 million bond issued by SriLankan Airlines.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/NaKYw0TpJYxlD8d2Tndl

Sri Lanka’s electric cars running on coal and diesel!?
Most governments have encouraged electric cars by offering generous tax concessions, but President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has highlighted how the supposedly “green” vehicles are actually powered by highly polluting coal and diesel.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lankas-electric-cars-running-on-coal-and-diesel-264442/

Shipping: SLSC highlights supply chain challenges
The Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council (SLSC) highlighted the significant challenges toward the country’s supply chain, emphasising the need for urgent Government intervention, due to the ongoing fuel shortages, a statement released by the Council, recently said.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/Ji8FkibyHjDCcCUKqZU0

Global fuel prices surge amid escalating Middle East tensions
Fuelmarkets experienced renewed volatility this week as escalating tensions in the Middle East pushed oil and gas prices sharply higher, raising concerns over global energy security.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/03/20/business/969734/global-fuel-prices-surge-amid-escalating-middle-east-tensions/

IMF team in Sri Lanka for two reviews on reforms
An International Monetary Fund staff ream will be in Colombo next week to hold discussions on the island nation’s fifth and sixth reviews of Sri Lanka’s reform programme, the global lender said in a statement.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/imf-team-in-sri-lanka-for-two-reviews-on-reforms-264512/

Strait of Hormuz: Iran considers levying transit fees
Iran is considering a proposal to levy transit fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a lawmaker said on Thursday, a potential bid to monetise Tehran’s newfound grip over the critical waterway through which a fifth of global oil and liquefied gas passes.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/snDhH9zAIrf7GymHfhrM

Sri Lanka rupee weaker, bond yields close up
Sri Lanka’s rupee closed at 311.50/65 to the US dollar in the spot market Thursday, weakening from 311.30/50 the previous day, dealers said, while bond yields closed higher.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-rupee-weaker-bond-yields-close-up-264492/

Sri Lanka stocks close down 1.82-pct as market reacts to escalating conflict
Sri Lanka’s Colombo Stock Exchange closed down on Thursday, as market volatility continued with investor uncertainty amidst the conflict in West Asia.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-stocks-close-down-1-82-pct-as-market-reacts-to-escalating-conflict-264482/