Sri Lanka has reintroduced its “Fuel Pass QR code” system, a rationing mechanism first implemented during the island’s 2022 economic crisis, as authorities warn that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could disrupt global energy supplies and impact the island’s fragile economic recovery.
The digital fuel quota system, introduced in August 2022 when Sri Lanka faced severe fuel shortages and long queues at petrol stations, has been revived by the government amid growing concern over the consequences of escalating tensions involving the United States and Iran.
Authorities say the move is intended to regulate fuel consumption and prevent panic buying as uncertainty continues to affect global energy markets.
Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Dissanayake chaired a special meeting on 15 March to review the potential impact of disruptions to global energy supply networks caused by the conflict in the Middle East. During the meeting, officials discussed possible interruptions to coal, gas and oil supply chains and examined measures required to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies in Sri Lanka. The meeting included several ministers, senior officials and representatives from energy and financial institutions.
The meeting took place as Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya warned that the Middle East conflict is already affecting Sri Lanka’s economy. She said the country had been working towards economic recovery when the war began, creating several new challenges.
A significant portion of Sri Lanka’s foreign remittances comes from citizens working in the Middle East, she noted, and their employment and livelihoods could be affected by the conflict. She also pointed out that many tourists travel to Sri Lanka through Middle Eastern airspace and that the closure of certain routes and airports has resulted in a decline in tourist arrivals. Fuel transport has also become a global concern, she said, warning that a prolonged conflict could have further economic consequences for the island.
Authorities meanwhile insist that Sri Lanka currently has sufficient fuel supplies.
Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) Chairman D. J. Rajakaruna said Sri Lanka has adequate fuel stocks until the end of next month, noting that previously ordered shipments continue to arrive as scheduled. However, he admitted fuel consumption rose sharply after the conflict began due to public panic and hoarding. Daily consumption increased by around 21 percent above normal levels, he said, prompting the government to reintroduce the QR-based fuel quota system to manage demand.
Rajakaruna also confirmed that fuel stations across the country are now able to issue fuel through the QR system, adding that motorists can obtain their weekly allocation without waiting in long queues.
A fuel tanker carrying large quantities of fuel also arrived in Sri Lanka today, according to CPC Managing Director Mayura Neththikumarage. The vessel carries 18,000 metric tons of diesel, 17,000 metric tons of petrol and 3,000 metric tons of super diesel.
Neththikumarage said fuel deliveries to filling stations across the island have already begun.
“As of today, the CPC has received 1616 orders, Lanka IOC 204 orders, SINOPEC 247 orders, and RM Parks 248 orders. We have checked and commenced the deliveries of the orders,” he said.
Authorities have also warned the public about fraudulent websites impersonating the official fuel pass platform in an attempt to collect personal data. Motorists have been advised to register only through the official government website.
Meanwhile, the reintroduction of the QR system has prompted calls for adjustments to fuel allocations from several sectors of the economy.
Three-wheeler drivers have warned that the 15 litres of fuel per week currently allocated to them is insufficient to sustain their livelihoods. Representatives of driver associations say they require at least 35 litres per week and have threatened protests if the quota is not increased. School transport operators have also raised concerns, saying the 60 litres of diesel allocated to buses each week is not sufficient to maintain regular services. They have requested that the quota be increased to around 100 litres. Private bus operators have similarly warned that limited allocations could force them to reduce certain services.
The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has also called on authorities to revise the fuel quota for doctors, warning that current allocations could disrupt hospital services. The association noted that doctors frequently travel long distances to hospitals and are responsible for arranging their own transport, including emergency and on-call duties.
Officials say special fuel supply arrangements will continue for public transport services through the Sri Lanka Transport Board, while separate allocation mechanisms are being prepared for sectors such as fisheries and agriculture. The Commissioner General of Agrarian Development confirmed that farmers will also receive fuel allocations through a dedicated QR system. Under the arrangement, farmers will be able to obtain 15 litres for paddy cultivation machinery and 20 litres for other agricultural equipment.
The tourism sector will reportedly receive special consideration as well. Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe said a dedicated QR system will be introduced to ensure tourism operators can obtain fuel without disruption.
“A similar system was introduced in the past. A discussion took place today. We hope to introduce the new system by this evening with the aim of ensuring that those in the tourism sector can carry out their work without any issues,” he said.
Ranasinghe also noted that the Middle East conflict has already affected tourist arrivals.
“The Middle East is a transit point for tourists arriving from European countries. We see a drop in tourist arrivals from such transit flights. But tourists are arriving via direct flights. However, there is a notable 25-30% drop in tourists from the Middle East at present,” he added.
Energy Ministry Media Secretary Shan Mohamed said the government had observed illegal bulk purchases of fuel in recent weeks.
“Furthermore, it has recently been observed that certain groups have been illegally purchasing fuel in excessive quantities. The Government of Sri Lanka intends to prevent such improper consumption and ensure an uninterrupted fuel supply for the day-to-day needs and economic activities of the general public.”
Police have also been deployed to fuel stations to manage crowds. Deputy Inspector General of Traffic and Road Safety D. P. G. J. Senadeera said officers had been stationed at major filling stations to control congestion caused by panic buying.
“The public need not panic. Once the QR code is in place, each vehicle category will receive the required amount of fuel. The large crowds at fuel stations are caused by unnecessary panic. We have deployed police officers to maintain order and manage traffic at these locations,” he said.