Sri Lanka Implements Weekly Fuel Rationing System Amid Oil Supply Crisis
The Government of Sri Lanka has implemented a weekly fuel rationing system for public vehicles amid growing global oil supply concerns. The QR code-based system took effect on Sunday, 15 March, according to reports from Daily Mirror.
Under the rationing scheme, citizens receive weekly allocations of 15 litres for cars, 5 litres for motorcycles, 15 litres for three-wheeled vehicles, and 60 litres for buses. Residents cannot purchase fuel without a valid QR code, and all vehicle owners must register their vehicles through the official government website.
The Sri Lankan Government has described the measure as necessary to prevent fuel hoarding and panic buying, whilst ensuring fair distribution of limited fuel stocks and maintaining basic economic activity. The QR code system implementation resulted in lengthy queues at petrol stations across Sri Lanka, particularly on the first day of operation.
According to local officials, Sri Lanka possesses petrol reserves for 27 days and diesel reserves for 33 days. The country’s government medical officers’ association, GMOA, has warned that the allocated fuel quotas are insufficient for doctors to perform their duties effectively.
Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe, GMOA spokesperson, stated that the weekly 15-litre petrol allocation for cars remains inadequate for healthcare professionals to travel and respond to emergency calls. Many doctors reside far from their workplaces and operate on on-call systems, requiring them to be ready to depart at short notice.
Despite rising diesel prices and oil supply concerns, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Power and Energy has assured that electricity supply will remain stable. Local officials have confirmed the country maintains sufficient fuel reserves for thermal power plant operations, whilst hydroelectric and solar power generation facilities also contribute to electricity supply security.
Sri Lanka is also intensifying diplomatic efforts to ensure additional fuel supplies from India, Russia, and China.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s tourism industry has appealed to the government for temporary fuel subsidies for tourism transport operators, as rising fuel prices have significantly increased operational costs. According to industry representatives, many bus and van operators have signed multi-month contracts based on previously lower fuel prices.
Several Asian nations have also implemented work-from-home and study-from-home schemes to mitigate potential energy shortages.