A delegation from the Omani government has discussed ways to support Sri Lanka in the event of a crisis due to sanctions placed on financial institutions dealing with Iranian crude oil, according to a Sri Lankan official.
"The two ministers discussed in detail how Oman could assist Sri Lanka in the event of a crisis, if Sri Lanka is unable to import crude oil from Iran," a ministry official with knowledge of the talks between Petroleum Minister Susil Premajayantha and Mohammad bin al-Rumhy told Reuters on condition of anonymity.
Omani Oil Minister al-Rumhy is thought to have offered the sale of Omani crude to the Sri Lankans.
Sri Lanka imports nearly all its crude from Iran and it is restricted in where they can import their oil from. Its refineries were built in the 1960’s and can only process Iranian light sweet crude or the similar Arabian Light.
US sanctions will make oil trade with Iran nigh impossible for Sri Lanka and the government is frantically searching for alternatives and reassessing its financial options.
Sri Lanka may be forced to reduce ties with one of its closest political allies due to the restrictions imposed on its fourth-biggest export destination by the US due to concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme.