Sri Lanka seeks new tar suppliers as Iranian imports dry up

Sri Lanka's Road Development Authority (RDA) has begun sourcing tar from alternative countries to counter supply shortages affecting road infrastructure projects across the island.

The shift follows a significant disruption to bitumen imports from Iran, which had been the primary supplier of high-quality tar to Sri Lanka. RDA Director General N. A. Hettiarachchi confirmed that import flows from the Iranian supplier have been interrupted since March, prompting authorities to explore other markets.

The RDA maintains that securing adequate tar supplies remains essential for ongoing road development and maintenance activities. The alternative sourcing strategy is intended to ensure continuity of critical infrastructure work while the Iranian supply situation remains uncertain.

The authority did not specify which countries would serve as replacement suppliers or provide details on pricing comparisons between Iranian and alternative sources. Officials indicated that the procurement diversification would help mitigate future supply chain vulnerabilities in the road construction sector.