Sri Lanka Reintroduces QR-Based National Fuel Pass System

by Zulfick Farzan 15-03-2026 | 5:21 AM

Colombo (News1st): The Ministry of Energy has announced the reimplementation of the National Fuel Pass system using QR codes, effective from 6.00 a.m. on March 15, in response to supply disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and a sharp rise in domestic fuel demand.

The Ministry 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.

How to Obtain the QR Code:

Vehicle owners who had previously registered under the Fuel Pass system and whose vehicle ownership and registered mobile number remain unchanged may download their QR code from midnight on March 14 via the official website: https://fuelpass.gov.lk/.

Those whose vehicle ownership or mobile number has changed must re-register online from 6.00 a.m. on March 15. Vehicles newly registered with the Department of Motor Traffic (RMV) and those that were not previously enrolled must also complete fresh registration through the same portal.

Weekly Fuel Quotas Announced:

The Ministry has released weekly fuel quotas by vehicle category. Motorcycles will be entitled to 5 litres, motor cars and three-wheelers 15 litres, vans 40 litres, buses 60 litres, and motor lorries up to 200 litres per week. Special-purpose vehicles will receive 40 litres, while quadricycles will be allocated 5 litres.