COLOMBO ; Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) Managing Director Dr. Mayura Neththikumarage has clarified that the introduction of the QR code–based fuel system is aimed at preventing congestion, artificial queues, and fuel hoarding, while assuring the public that Sri Lanka has sufficient fuel stocks to meet demand.
Speaking on the implementation of the system, Dr. Neththikumarage said a large number of vehicle owners had already registered during the previous phase and continue to use the same vehicles with the same registered mobile numbers. Priority has therefore been given to these users to download their existing QR codes first. He explained that new registrations were temporarily disabled to avoid congestion on the system during this initial phase, adding that registration would be reactivated shortly.
He further noted that those who already possess their old QR code do not need to download it again. The system has been designed to function using the previously issued QR codes. Vehicle owners who have purchased new vehicles, changed their registered mobile numbers, or transferred ownership of previously registered vehicles will be able to register under the new registration option once it is activated and obtain a new QR code.
All other users can continue to use their existing QR codes or download them through the vehicle login option.
Addressing public concern over fuel availability, the CPC Managing Director stressed that the country has fuel stocks sufficient to last until the end of April, and that scheduled shipments are also expected to arrive as planned, with no issues anticipated in supply.
However, he pointed out that over the past few days, there had been deliberate attempts by certain groups to create queues by spreading claims of fuel shortages. As a result, diesel consumption had risen by around 30 percent above normal levels, while petrol demand had increased by approximately 60 percent. Under normal conditions, demand levels remain stable, but panic triggered by recent discussions and speculation had led to a sudden surge in fuel purchases over the last two to three days.
Dr. Neththikumarage warned that if this trend continued into the following week, it could result in longer queues and encourage individuals to stockpile and hide fuel. The QR code system was therefore introduced to prevent such practices and ensure fair distribution.
He explained that fuel quantities allocated through the QR code system have been calculated based on the number of vehicles in the country and represent amounts that can be supplied without difficulty. Vehicle owners will be able to obtain their allocated quantity within the relevant week without fear of missing out or needing to remain in queues. Since the allocations are set at levels that can be issued smoothly, he emphasized that there is no necessity for the public to wait in long queues to obtain fuel.
The CPC reiterated that the QR-based system is intended to normalize fuel distribution, discourage panic-driven demand, and ensure that fuel is made available in an orderly and equitable manner to all users.NewsFirst
