• Energy Ministry assessing digital quota system
• WFH option under discussion
• Talks ongoing with India, Russia to secure supplies

The Government is considering reintroducing the National Fuel Pass, widely known as the QR code quota system, as a precautionary measure to manage fuel distribution amid growing uncertainty in global oil markets following tensions in the Middle East, The Sunday Morning learns.

The Ministry of Energy is currently evaluating the feasibility of implementing the QR-based system to streamline fuel distribution across the country, although a definitive launch date was yet to be finalised as of last evening (14).

A highly placed official within the Ministry of Energy, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the system could be introduced quickly if the need arose.

“As soon as possible,” the official said when asked about the potential rollout. “The technical team is currently working on the infrastructure. I do not know when they will be able to finalise the system according to the current requirements, but once it is ready, it can be implemented.”

However, Deputy Minister of Energy Arkam Ilyas told The Sunday Morning that while discussions were underway about reintroducing a QR-based system, the Government was first assessing the country’s fuel stocks before committing to a specific timeline.

“We will notify through the media of any decision in that regard, and if the QR code system is needed, we will publicise the date it will become operational,” Ilyas said, adding that the public would be given prior notice before any digital quota system was introduced.

The possible reintroduction of the QR-based fuel pass comes as the Government explores several options to manage potential energy supply disruptions.

Among the measures under discussion is the possible reintroduction of Work From Home (WFH) arrangements to reduce national fuel consumption. However, Ilyas said that no final decision had been taken.

“All possibilities are being discussed. Every country is facing a power crisis at present,” he said, noting that the Government was observing how countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Thailand were responding to similar challenges.

“For now, we are hoping that we can maintain our current stock levels. If the situation continues for a long time and it becomes absolutely necessary, we will consider such measures. Otherwise, there will be no need,” he said.

The Deputy Minister assured that the ministry meanwhile continued to engage with international partners to secure fuel supplies.

Sri Lanka has maintained a steady supply line from India, which remains one of the country’s key energy partners.

“We have been getting supplies from India continuously. They have assured us that they will continue supplies in the same way. Some of what we ordered has already arrived and more shipments are on the way,” Ilyas said.

He added: “We started discussions with Russia, but we have not been able to reach a final agreement yet.”

According to Ilyas, negotiations regarding supply volumes, pricing, shipping arrangements, and other conditions are being reviewed on a daily basis.

“We discussed it on Friday (13). We will hear about the negotiations by today (15). We are negotiating on supply, prices, terms, shipping, and many other matters,” he said, adding that the Government’s priority remained securing stable and affordable fuel supplies for the country. 

The National Fuel Pass was launched in 2022 to manage fuel shortages following Sri Lanka’s economic crisis. The QR code-based system allowed vehicle owners to obtain a weekly, vehicle-specific fuel quota, which was scanned at filling stations to validate allocations. The system was discontinued on 1 September 2023.