Sri Lanka, March 19 -- The shortage of vessels amid the Middle East crisis has hampered fuel imports for Sri Lanka, with the government now trying to discourage consumption as much as possible.

Since the start of the US-Israeli war against Iran, more than 1,000 cargo ships, mainly oil and gas tankers, have been blocked from transiting the Strait of Hormuz. This has already created a significant global economic impact.

Oil and natural gas prices have increased sharply since the war began. Brent crude futures are up by more than 40% since the start of hostilities on 28 February. Some markets for oil products have also been particularly affected, including those for diesel and jet fuel. The impacts are being felt globally, according to the...