• Concerns on crude oil stocks arriving after April 
• Business Registration category for individuals using multiple vehicles 
•  No fuel if found bypassing queues 
• Licenses of filling stations bypassing QR to be suspended 
• QR code glitches being ironed out with NFP registration system updates

Chairperson of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), D.J. Rajakaruna announced the weekly fuel quota issued to the public under the QR code–based system will remain valid until 12 midnight on Saturday every week and will be refreshed every Sunday.

Speaking during a television program, he stated the CPC expects the QR code–based fuel quota system to reduce the country’s fuel consumption by 20%. Rajakaruna further revealed the daily diesel consumption in the country currently stands at 4,800 metric tonnes (MTs), while petrol consumption is at 4,045 MTs.

He explained the QR code–based fuel quota system was implemented urgently to eliminate long queues at fuel stations and assured that confirmed fuel stocks will be sufficient until next month (April). 

“The number of days was calculated based on the combined total of fuel stocks currently in storage and shipments arriving this month (in March), which are confirmed to be unaffected by the ongoing conflict. We still have concerns regarding the arrival of crude oil. As of now, we have confirmed that we can continue operations until the final week of next month. To extend beyond that period, the remaining shipments must be finalised immediately. Yesterday (17) was a critical day. Since the emergence of this crisis, we have made necessary adjustments regarding crude oil supplies. With the current stocks, we cannot predict the full extent of the conflict. The entire world is preparing for such uncertainties. By securing these stocks and making certain sacrifices now, we will be able to navigate this risk successfully,” he added.

Rajakaruna stated that until a petroleum shipment is confirmed to arrive, there is some risk in the fuel supply to the country. He added the situation must be controlled, and accordingly, the use of the QR code system is mandatory.

The Digital Economy Ministry, in the meantime, has confirmed that, under a new policy decision, only one vehicle can be registered under each National Identity Card (NIC) number and telephone number through the QR code system. Speaking during a television programme yesterday, Advisor to the Ministry, Sumudu Rathnayake explained: “We have made a policy decision allowing only one vehicle to be registered per an NIC and per mobile number. When this policy was first implemented, many people who had changed or transferred vehicles were unable to register them. We introduced the QR system at this moment to bring about some control.” 

He stated that for individuals who own multiple vehicles, a separate category called Business Registration (BR) has been introduced. “In the current national crisis, there is no need for a single individual to use two or three vehicles,” he opined. 

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday, Rathnayake said that the system is now functioning smoothly nationwide. "The issue regarding vehicle owners whose mobile numbers have been changed is sorted. We provided our database to the telecom companies and resolved that issue. Furthermore, by completing the deregistering of the profiles of the previous users, we have sorted out the problem for those who changed ownership as well," he said. 

He also noted that by yesterday evening, all issues affecting users in the Western Province had been resolved, with the rest of the country following shortly after. When queried as to whether all technical glitches with the QR system were now fixed, he answered that 99% of complaints have been addressed. He attributed the remaining challenges to people entering wrong data and the sheer volume of requests. 

Also, most of the issues related to the QR code system used for obtaining fuel have been resolved, Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated. 

“The remaining major issue concerns changes in vehicle ownership. Previously, problems arose when the QR code of the former owner was not removed,” Dr. Jayatissa said, adding that the issue is now being actively addressed and resolved. At present, approximately 30,000 vehicles are being registered in the system every hour, which Dr. Jayatissa emphasised as significant progress. Despite the heavy load on the system, most of the problems related to the QR code system have now been successfully resolved, he added further.

Further, DIG in charge of the Traffic and Road Safety Range, W.P.J. Senadheera said that no individuals attempting to bypass queues at fuel stations will be permitted to obtain fuel. 

Speaking to the media, he emphasised that attempts by certain motorists to obtain fuel from outside of the queues could lead to unrest and chaotic situations. Consequently, both fuel station owners and Police officers have been instructed not to provide fuel to anyone violating the established queue system. 

Moreover, the law is being strictly enforced regarding filling stations dispensing fuel outside the QR code system, and steps are being taken to suspend their licenses, Rajakaruna stated. He also urged the general public to continuously provide information to the Police or the CPC about such filling stations.

Additionally, the Digital Economy Ministry had announced that the technical issues currently affecting the National Fuel Pass (NFP) system are being successfully resolved.  The Ministry expressed confidence that all existing disruptions would be rectified and that the system would be fully restored to complete functionality by yesterday morning (17).