In the face of the fuel crisis in the country, in addition to the long queues at the fuel stations, the problem of fair distribution of the fuel stocks became a concern due to the emergence of people selling fuel at black market prices. This forced the authorities to introduce a QR system. Aiming to provide fuel to the public in an orderly manner amidst its energy crisis, fuel passes that will guarantee a weekly quota to every vehicle owner has been introduced to the public.
The National Fuel Pass was developed with the assistance of leading tech companies in Sri Lanka and the Institute of Communication and Information Technology (ICTA) without any cost to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) or the Government.
Though the public was advised to register with the fuel pass website – fuel pass.gov.lk – with their personal identification and sign up to one vehicle for each identity card/passport or business registration certificate, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera noted that facilities have been made available for businesses with multiple vehicles to register all their vehicles with their business registration number. Vehicle users that cannot register with the chassis number will be able to register with their revenue licence.
“Fuel requirements for machinery too can be registered under the divisional secretariats stating their weekly requirements. Information such as name, address, phone number, used vehicle, etc should also be submitted when registering for the fuel pass. The weekly quota of fuel will be refreshed every Sunday night,” he added.
In case a QR code is misplaced, users can login to fuelpass.gov.lk and enter the mobile number to retrieve the QR code or via SMS by typing Fuel QR Vehicle Number and sending it to 0766220000.
Users can also check their fuel quota balance by visiting the website and logging in with their mobile number or via SMS by typing Fuel Bal Vehicle Number and sending it to the same number mentioned above. Issuance of QR for special segments of vehicles will be announced with a separate procedure.
Priority in fuel distribution will be given to fuel stations which have adopted the system. The number of users of the QR system and the stocks available will be monitored. Those who were not able to register with the chassis number will be able to register with the revenue licence from August 1.
Public transport will be given priority when distributing fuel. The fuel quota for buses will be allocated at SLTB depots. The fuel quota permitted for each bus will depend on the route permit and number of kilometres. School service vehicles, office transport vehicles, vehicles connected to tourism and other industries as well ambulances and other essential service vehicles verified by authorities will be issued diesel at SLTB depots.
Ambulances too will be given priority at all fuel stations. The requested amount of fuel will be given to fill their tanks. Police vehicles will be given an allocated quota from selected filling stations in each police division.
The Minister also highlighted that separate fuel stations will be allocated for three-wheelers and motorcycles based on their registration. All three-wheel users have been requested to register their vehicles at their respective area Police Station and nominate one fuel station before July 31. Thus, from August 1, three-wheelers will only be allowed to obtain fuel from their registered fuel station.
Users of 49cc bikes have to register with the Department of Motor Traffic to obtain their licences and register for the National Fuel Pass. All users of garden equipment, generators and other equipment requiring fuel to register the type of fuel they require, weekly fuel requirement and choice of fuel station in their respective divisional secretariats.
Before the QR system, various other methods were introduced as a solution, such as the token card system, connecting the district and local administration and the Security Forces for fuel distribution, did not yield the desired results. Therefore, from July 16, 2022, the Government introduced the National Fuel Pass Card (QR Code) for fair distribution of fuel allocating days according to the vehicle registration number. This system was in place till July 31, while the QR code system was undergoing a trial period. From today (01), only the QR code system will be functioning. Issuing fuel according to the last digit of vehicles, tokens or any other ways which have been in practice before will be invalid.
There are several issues related to the implementation of the new system. For example the public having to face practical problems such as the lack of smartphones, lack of technical knowledge, inability to access the relevant website, and inability to present the QR code at a gas station.
Hence the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, the National Youth Service Council and the National Youth Corps jointly started a free public awareness programme on the use of the National Fuel Pass on July 19.
According to this system, the QR code will be downloaded to the smartphone and those who do not have a smartphone will be given printed copies of the QR code to keep with them or display in the vehicle using the technology they know.
The Power and Energy Minister noted that 746 fuel stations have used the QR system on July 30 making it the highest in a day.
“A total of 1,060 fuel stations have adopted the system as at 8.30 pm on the same day,” he said.
The public is requested to send video or photo evidence of those hoarding, illegally selling fuel or not following instructions on the distribution of fuel. The evidence can be sent via WhatsApp to 0742123123.
Hence, the authorities can temporarily suspend their QR pass or take legal action against them.
“Do not overcrowd fuel stations today.Your fuel quota has been allocated. So you have the whole week to take it from any fuel station islandwide,” the Ministry of Power and Energy requested the public.
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