Connect with us

News

Fuel rationing begins: Police deployed as queues return

Published

2 weeks ago

on

Long queues of vehicles once again lined roads near filling stations across the country yesterday as authorities reintroduced the QR-based fuel quota system, prompting the deployment of police officers to manage traffic and maintain order.

The measure comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East and global oil supply disruptions which officials say have triggered panic buying and fuel hoarding despite assurances that the country is not facing an immediate shortage of fuel.

DIG in charge of Traffic and Road Safety Range DPGJ Senadeera said police officers had been deployed to major filling stations to regulate traffic and prevent congestion caused by large crowds gathering to obtain fuel.

Speaking to the media, Senadeera said the queues were largely the result of panic.

“The public need not panic. Once the QR code system is in place, each category of vehicle will receive the required amount of fuel,” he said.

According to the DIG, traffic congestion near fuel stations was mainly caused by motorists attempting to stockpile fuel.

“Many people who require only a small quantity of fuel are attempting to obtain larger amounts due to fear and uncertainty. This behaviour has created long queues and congestion,” he said.

 “If people remain calm and obtain only the amount of fuel they require, these problems will not arise. The system has been introduced precisely to prevent long queues and ensure efficient distribution,” Senadeera added.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy announced that the QR code system for fuel sales came into effect at 6 am yesterday (15), making it mandatory for motorists to present a valid QR code to obtain fuel.

Authorities said the measure had been introduced in response to abnormal increases in demand for fuel and concerns over disruptions to global supply chains caused by the ongoing military situation in the Middle East.

A public notice issued by the ministry stated that the petroleum supply chain had been adversely affected by the Middle East conflict, while local demand had risen sharply in recent days, placing pressure on the country’s fuel reserves.

Officials also noted that certain groups had been purchasing excessive quantities of fuel illegally, prompting the government to introduce the QR code mechanism to curb hoarding and ensure fair distribution.

Under the system, each vehicle category will be entitled to a fixed weekly fuel quota.

According to the Ministry of Energy, the allocations are as follows: Buses – 60 litres, Motor lorries – 200 litres, Vans – 40 litres, Three-wheelers – 15 litres, Motor cars – 15 litres, Motorcycles – 5 litres, Land vehicles – 25 litres, Special purpose vehicles – 40 litres and Quadricycles – 5 litres.

Managing Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), Mayura Neththikumarage, insisted that the introduction of the QR code system did not indicate a fuel shortage.

“There is no issue with fuel availability. The system was introduced after we observed people collecting fuel in large quantities and queues forming over the past three to four days,” he said.

Neththikumarage said the primary objective of the QR code system was to ensure that the public could obtain fuel without having to wait in long queues.

Fuel distribution under the new system commenced at 6.00 a.m. yesterday, with priority initially given to motorists who had previously registered and obtained QR codes.

Those who had earlier registered for the system can continue to use their existing QR codes, provided the vehicle ownership and registered mobile number remain unchanged.

Motorists who have not yet registered can obtain a QR code through the official website fuelpass.gov.lk, while those whose vehicle ownership or mobile numbers have changed are required to re-register their details.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy said a separate fuel distribution mechanism would be implemented for vehicles engaged in essential services and production activities.

Private passenger transport buses will receive fuel through depots operated by the Sri Lanka Transport Board, the ministry added.

Amid the situation, Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa appealed to the public to use fuel responsibly and avoid unnecessary travel.

“As a government, we request the public to think not only about their own families but also about the country. Manage fuel consumption carefully and avoid unnecessary travel during this period,” the minister said at an event held in Moratuwa.

He stressed that rationed fuel consumption was essential to ensure that available stocks could be sustained while global uncertainties continue.

Authorities reiterated that the QR code system had been introduced as a precautionary measure to manage fuel distribution effectively and prevent panic-driven shortages.

Police meanwhile urged motorists to cooperate with traffic officers stationed near filling stations and refrain from forming unnecessary queues, warning that panic buying would only worsen congestion and inconvenience the public.

by Norman Palihawadane


Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest News

A strong Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system equips individuals with practical, relevant, and future-oriented skills helping to innovate responsibly towards a greener and sustainable future – PM

Published

2 hours ago

on

2026/03/26

By

The Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated as the Chief Guest in the international conference on ’Transforming TVET Systems for climate resilience and green jobs’ organized by Colombo Plan Staff College, Philippines together with the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Sri Lanka on 24 th of March at Courtyard by Marriott Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The Conference serves as the flagship event of the five-day Regional Programme on “Transforming TVET for a Digital, Green, and Inclusive Economy” (23-27 March 2026), which continues throughout the week, bringing together representatives from CPSC member countries including Bhutan, Fiji, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, fostering high-level dialogue and knowledge sharing on climate-resilient and green skills development.

The Conference features technical and plenary sessions on climate-responsive TVET systems, green skills development, national policy frameworks, and emerging technologies shaping industry transformation.

Addressing at the event, the Prime Minister emphasized the role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) that equips individuals with practical, relevant, and future-oriented skills in addressing climate change and shaping a sustainable future.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed that this transformation remains a national priority for Sri Lanka. She stressed that education must go beyond knowledge dissemination to empower individuals with opportunities, dignity, and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to society.

She further emphasized the need to integrate environmental sustainability into education and training systems by embedding green skills in curricula, investing in modern training facilities, promoting innovation, and fostering collaboration between training institutions and emerging green industries.

Highlighting the importance of ensuring equity the Prime Minister further stated, that opportunities arising from the green transition must be accessible to all, including youth, young women, people with special needs, and marginalized communities.

Reaffirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to working closely with regional and international partnerships, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of transforming them to actual benefits and partnerships.

The occasion was attended by the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education  Nalaka Kaluwewa, Additional Secretary (Vocational Training) Ms. Samanthi Senanayake Director General Colombo Plan Staff College Prof. Dr. Suresh K. Dhameja , TVET administrators, institutional leaders, policymakers, instructors, industry representatives, and international delegates from across the region and seniors officials and officials from Ministries.

(Prime Minister’s Media division)

Continue Reading

News

PM reviews progress of the committee appointed for the establishment of a National Nursing University

Published

3 hours ago

on

2026/03/26

By

A discussion to review the current progress of the special committee appointed under the government’s policy proposals to establish a National Nursing University aimed at elevating the nursing profession in Sri Lanka to degree level was held on 23rd of March at the Prime Minister’s Office under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister inquired into the progress made by the committee in relation to the establishment of the Nursing University and paid attention to the issues and views presented by the committee members.

Emphasizing that establishing a university is a long-term and complex process, the Prime Minister pointed out the importance of advancing this project in line with higher education standards, without hasty decisions, while also taking into account the existing conflicts and challenges within the university system.

The meeting was attended by the Vice Chairman of the University Grants Commission, Professor K. L. Wasantha Kumara, representatives of the All Ceylon Nurses’ Association, and officials from the Ministry of Health and Mass Media.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

Continue Reading

Latest News

Heat Index at ‘Caution level’ in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Anuradhapura, Mannar, Vavuniya and Monaragala districts

Published

12 hours ago

on

2026/03/26

By

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of  Meteorology
at 3.30 p.m. on 25 March 2026, valid for 26 March 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in
Anuradhapura, Mannar, Vavuniya and Monaragala districts.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry
of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.

Continue Reading

Trending