Fuel QR system : Clarification from minister

October 16, 2023 at 4:13 PM

Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera has refuted reports claiming a discussion has been held to re-introduce the National Fuel Pass QR system in Sri Lanka. 

Taking to ‘X’, Minister Wijeseker said that the government, Ministry of Power and Energy or the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has not engaged in any discussion to re-introduce the National Fuel Pass QR system or any quota system for fuel.

He further said that the Ministry, CPC, and the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited (CPSTL) have only held discussions to plan for cargo requirements for the next 12 months.

Discussions have also been held to increase the existing storage capacities at CPSTL Kollonnawa, the Mutthurajawela terminals, and regional depots to maintain a larger buffer stock, he added.

The minister’s comments come in response to reports on local media channel Ada Derana and The Morning newspaper, claiming the reintroduction of the National Fuel Pass QR system. 

In September 2023, the Ministry of Power and Energy suspended the National Fuel Pass QR system.

A QR system was initially introduced for fuel purchase following the fuel crisis faced in Sri Lanka in 2022, which resulted in long queues at fuel stations. (NewsWire)