India weighs Maldives fuel supply request amid ongoing regional exports

The Maldives has approached India for fuel supplies as the South Asian nation continues exporting petroleum products to its neighbours, according to India’s foreign ministry.

Speaking at a news conference, foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India—currently the world’s fourth-largest refiner—has ongoing commercial fuel supply arrangements with Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

“The government of the Maldives has also reached out to us for the supply of petroleum products both on [a] short-term and long-term basis. Maldives’ request is being examined keeping in mind our own availability and our own needs,” Jaiswal said.

The Maldives has traditionally sourced most of its fuel from Oman, based on World Bank data.

Jaiswal added that India is also in discussions with Mauritius and Seychelles regarding the broader energy situation, though no formal requests have been made.

“We have not received any request from them as yet,” he said.

By Sabina Mammadli