By: Isuru Parakrama
March 15, Colombo (LNW): Authorities have confirmed that petrol and diesel will no longer be issued to cans, bottles or other containers under the country’s newly introduced QR-based fuel distribution programme, which came into effect across Sri Lanka this morning.
According to the Managing Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO), Mayura Neththikumarage, the implementation of the system has not resulted in a fuel shortage. He stated that supplies remain stable and that the new mechanism is primarily intended to regulate distribution and prevent misuse.
Speaking to the media, Neththikumarage also revealed that preliminary discussions have already taken place with several international partners, including India and China, regarding the possibility of obtaining additional fuel stocks should an urgent requirement arise. He described the talks as productive and said the country would be able to secure supplies if necessary.
Fuel distribution through the QR system officially commenced at 6.00 a.m. today (15). Priority during the initial stage has been given to motorists who had previously registered and obtained QR codes along with their corresponding vehicle and mobile phone details. Officials confirmed that QR codes issued earlier remain valid and can still be used under the updated system.
Motorists who have not yet registered are able to obtain their QR codes by completing the registration process through the government’s online fuel portal.
Meanwhile, Kumara Rajapaksha, Chairman of the Lanka Filling Station Owners Association, stated that fuel stations across the island successfully integrated the QR platform within a few hours of the programme’s launch. By around 8.00 to 9.00 a.m., most stations were reportedly operating fully under the new system.
Rajapaksha stressed that, under the current regulations, fuel will only be dispensed directly into registered vehicles. Filling stations have been instructed not to issue fuel to containers such as cans or bottles even if a valid QR code is presented.
He further noted that motorists must arrive at the filling station in the same vehicle that is registered under the QR code. Attempts to obtain fuel using another individual’s QR code or by arriving in a different vehicle will not be permitted.
During the briefing, Rajapaksha acknowledged that some complaints had been received from individuals who recently purchased vehicles but have not yet been able to obtain a QR code. He expressed confidence that the government would address the issue promptly to ensure that new vehicle owners are not unfairly inconvenienced.
Although several stations experienced minor technical issues while integrating the system early in the morning, he said operations have since stabilised and fuel distribution is now proceeding without major disruptions.
Rajapaksha also pointed out that filling station owners and pump attendants bear significant responsibility in implementing the new regulations, as they must ensure compliance while dealing directly with customers. He therefore appealed to the public to cooperate by arriving at stations with their registered vehicles and valid QR codes to help maintain an orderly and efficient fuel distribution process.