'No Need for Public Fear Over Fuel Supplies' - Fuel Supply Secure, Says Distributors’ Association

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Chairman of Sri Lanka’s Fuel Distributors’ Association has reassured the public that there is no need to harbor unnecessary fears regarding fuel availability.

Speaking on current concerns, the association emphasized that the country’s fuel distribution network remains stable and that measures are in place to ensure uninterrupted supply.

Sri Lanka on Sunday (15), reimplemented the National Fuel Pass system using QR codes, effective from 6.00 a.m, in response to supply disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and a sharp rise in domestic fuel demand.

The Ministry of Energy said fuel supply chains have been adversely affected by the regional geopolitical situation, while abnormally high fuel demand within the country has placed additional pressure on Sri Lanka’s limited fuel reserves. Authorities stressed that careful management of existing stocks is essential to ensure the continuity of economic activity.

Officials have also identified illegal fuel hoarding and black-market activities by certain groups as a key factor driving the surge in demand. The government said the QR-based system aims to curb such practices and ensure uninterrupted fuel access for the general public and essential economic services.

Under the new regulations, no fuel will be issued at any filling station without a valid QR code from 6.00 a.m. on March 15. The QR code will serve as a mandatory fuel authorization for all vehicle categories.

Individuals who have previously obtained QR codes and continue to use the same vehicle and telephone number will be able to update their QR codes without any difficulty.

Authorities are currently identifying issues faced by individuals whose vehicles or telephone numbers have changed, as well as those who have recently purchased new vehicles. Steps are being taken to resolve these matters as quickly as possible.

Decisions regarding special requirements, including fuel supply for essential services and agricultural activities, will be taken this evening, and the necessary measures will be implemented within today (15) to address these issues.