Sri Lanka switches to QR code-based system to ration fuel sales

Sri Lanka implements a QR code system to ration fuel sales amid global supply challenges, limiting weekly quotas for vehicles.

Sri Lanka on Sunday (March 15, 2026) switched to a digital QR code-based system to ration fuel sales, a move authorities described as a “precautionary measure” amid persisting uncertainty in West Asia.

Citing “prevailing geopolitical developments” in West Asia and their adverse impact on global supply chains, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Energy said the country’s existing fuel stocks were depleting amid an “abnormal increase” in demand. “Therefore, it has become necessary to carefully manage the available fuel reserves in order to sustain the country’s economic activities,” it said in a public notice announcing the switch to a QR code system.

Iran-Israel war LIVE updates

Sri Lankans last used a QR code-aided system in 2022 when the island’s economy crashed, resulting in critical shortages and long queues for fuel. The move requires consumers to register and download a QR code specific to their vehicle for use at fuel stations. The weekly quota for cars and motorbikes is limited to 15 litres and 5 litres, respectively. Following the announcement on Sunday, several vehicles queued up at fuel sheds around Colombo.  

Deputy Minister of Industry Chathuranga Abeysinghe told The Hindu thatSri Lanka had adequate stocks at the moment and the decision to moderate fuel supply to consumers was more of a strategy for “prudent, rational usage”. “With the ongoing uncertainty, this will help us preserve and extend our stock as much as possible,” he said, adding: “We have confirmation from the Indian Oil Corporation that supply will be ensured.”

IOC subsidiary, Lanka IOC, controls around 20% of Sri Lanka’s retail market, which is dominated by the state-owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation. Lanka IOC Managing Director K. Raghu on Saturday told Colombo-based media that Sri Lanka was “in safe hands” and that the company was committed to ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply to Sri Lanka despite challenges.