Alternative Markets Sought To Address Bitumen Supply Shortage

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Road Development Authority says Sri Lanka has begun importing bitumen from alternative markets to address a shortage of the material needed caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Director General of RDA, N. A. Hettiarachchi, said Sri Lanka previously imported large quantities of high-quality bitumen produced in Iran.

However, imports came to a halt in March due to the Middle East conflict and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, he said.

The Director General noted that Sri Lanka requires at least 20,000 metric tonnes of bitumen per month for road maintenance and development work.

He said limited quantities of bitumen are now being imported through alternative supply routes from Kazakhstan, Bahrain, China, India, Malaysia and Thailand.

Despite the availability of alternative markets, many shipping companies are refusing to transport bitumen to Sri Lanka due to fears of U.S. sanctions and the risk of vessels coming under attack amid the ongoing conflict. 

International insurance providers have also been reluctant to offer insurance coverage for these shipments.