March 16, Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) has reported that fuel reserves intended to last six weeks were fully distributed in just nine days, highlighting the impact of recent international tensions on domestic supply.
According to the CEYPETCO, in the first ten days following the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, around 57,000 metric tonnes of diesel and 47,000 metric tonnes of petrol were issued across service stations nationwide.
In response to both the ongoing crisis abroad and potential supply risks, the government reinstated the QR-based fuel distribution system for all vehicles, effective from 6.00 a.m. yesterday (15).
Authorities cited rising daily fuel consumption and uncertainties in global oil markets as key factors behind the decision.
Under the current QR allocation, weekly fuel quotas are strictly defined: motorcycles are limited to five litres, three-wheelers and cars to 15 litres, tractors to 25 litres, vans and special-purpose vehicles to 40 litres, buses to 60 litres, and lorries to 200 litres.
The system also includes revisions for bus allocations, with fuel now being distributed according to distance travelled rather than a fixed amount. Until the updated approach is fully operational, the Sri Lanka Transport Board will continue to manage bus fuel distribution.
CEYPETCO Chairman D. A. Rajakaruna explained that registered users of the QR fuel system can obtain fuel via the government portal fuelpass.gov.lk, provided there have been no changes in vehicle ownership or registered mobile numbers.
Vehicle owners who are newly registered, or who have updated ownership details or phone numbers, are required to register or re-register through the same portal.
The Department of Government Information stated that authorities are actively identifying users affected by changes in vehicle ownership or contact information and are working to resolve any issues promptly to ensure uninterrupted access to fuel.
