Sri Lanka has spent USD 4,072.1 million on fuel imports during the first eight months of 2026, from January to August, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).

According to a report issued by the Central Bank, this represents a 61.6% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2025.

Sri Lanka spent USD 2,520.6 million on fuel imports from January to August 2025.

Accordingly, based on Central Bank data, fuel import expenditure during the first eight months of this year has increased by USD 1,551.5 million compared to the same period last year.

Meanwhile, USD 450.6 million was spent on fuel imports in August 2026 alone, marking a 76.5% increase compared to August 2025.

Fuel import expenditure in August 2025 stood at USD 255.2 million.

Accordingly, fuel import expenditure in August this year increased by USD 195.4 million compared to the corresponding month last year.

In addition, Sri Lanka spent USD 321.9 million on refined petroleum imports in August 2026, compared to USD 202.9 million in August 2025.

This represents a 58.7% year-on-year increase in expenditure on refined petroleum imports.