The Road Development Authority (RDA) has begun importing limited quantities of tar from alternative countries to ease a shortage that has affected road work, RDA Director General N. A. Hettiarachchi said.
Sri Lanka previously relied heavily on high-quality tar made in Iran. Imports have been disrupted since March because of the conflict in the Middle East and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, he said.
The country needs at least 20,000 metric tonnes of tar a month for road maintenance and development, Hettiarachchi said. The RDA is now sourcing limited amounts from Kazakhstan, Bahrain, China, India, Malaysia and Thailand.
Shipping remains a problem, he said. Several shipping companies have refused to carry tar, citing possible US sanctions and the risk of attacks. International insurers are also reportedly reluctant to cover vessels carrying it.
The shortage matters to road users because maintenance and new road projects depend on a steady supply of tar.
