• CPC Chair notes that rationing is needed only if fuel shortage requires limiting distribution 
• Says ready to implement the same if law enforcement is insufficient to control situation
• Energy Dep. Min. finds temp. shortfalls at some fuel stations owing to delivery delays or supply exhaustion 

The QR code system should only be used to limit fuel distribution in the event of a fuel shortage in the country, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) Chairperson, D.J. Rajakaruna stated. Currently, as there are sufficient fuel stocks available, there is no necessity to implement the QR system at this time, he noted. However, he added that if a situation arises where the enforcement of the law alone is insufficient to control the circumstances, the authorities are prepared to introduce the QR system at any time if required.

Rajakaruna further stated that fuel distribution activities were carried out as usual yesterday (2). As of 9.45 a.m., 2,925,349 litres of diesel and 2,940,000 litres of Octane 92 petrol had been distributed. He added that on 1 March alone, 3,081,349 litres of diesel and 3,920,400 litres of Octane 92 petrol were released to the market. He emphasised that continuous fuel distribution is being maintained and that adequate fuel stocks are available. Therefore, there is no need for the general public to panic. He expressed regret that people are unnecessarily alarmed and continue to wait in long queues. 

Rajakaruna also warned that hoarding fuel at homes without a valid license is illegal and dangerous, and that strict legal action will be taken against such activities. He further revealed that several individuals were arrested by the Police on 1 March in connection with illegally storing fuel. He urged the public to inform the Police if they have any information regarding individuals who are illegally hoarding fuel.

Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa meanwhile said the Government had not seen the need for introducing the QR code as of yet. Addressing the media at a special briefing, Dr. Jayatissa said yesterday (2) that the QR code was introduced at a time when there was a breakdown in the fuel supply. Responding to questions from the media, he said that the QR code had been introduced when there was a foreign exchange crisis and a limited number of vessels carrying fuel reaching the island. As a result, there was a need to limit people's fuel usage, he explained. But now, there is no restriction in the provision of fuel. “As of now, the only reason why a shed would close would be for the time it would take to replenish its stock with another fuel bowser,” he noted. “It is a mere case of panic buying and if people can be prevailed upon to put a stop to that, we would be able to continue in the supply of fuel without a break,” Dr. Jayatissa said.

Rajakaruna said that there was a project to introduce the QR system not only for dealing with limited stocks of fuel but even to pay using the QR code. He said that in such circumstances, even the kerosene oil allowance would be given utilising the QR system. Rajakaruna said that as of now, shed owners had to pay for the fuel, causing issues for the CPC at times. But, heretofore, the QR code could be used to pay their commission while the remaining money would be credited to the CPC’s account, he said.   

Meanwhile, the Energy Ministry has confirmed that while certain filling stations might face temporary fuel supply shortfalls, there is currently no requirement for the Government to impose limits on the amount of fuel purchased by individuals. 

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (2), Deputy Energy Minister Arkam Ilyas said that the supply is being maintained continuously and that the situation has not yet necessitated the introduction of a rationing system. “There is no need identified with the observations so far that we will need to limit the consumption by individuals at the moment,” he said.

He explained that while panic buying could disrupt the distribution process, leading to occasional delays in deliveries and temporary shortages at filling stations, an overall shortfall in the fuel supply is not expected. “Due to the distribution process being hindered by panic buying, situations where filling stations receive the fuel supplies a little late and incidents where the sheds temporarily run out of fuel can happen, yet, no shortage of the fuel supply would be taking place at all,” he added.