Sri Lanka reintroduces the Fuel Pass QR code system as Middle East war tensions disrupt oil supply routes and trigger panic fuel demand across the country.
Due to the escalating war situation in the Middle East, global fuel supply routes are becoming increasingly disrupted day by day, while demand for fuel in Sri Lanka has begun rising abnormally. Authorities say the country’s existing petroleum reserves must therefore be managed carefully to sustain economic activity, protect national fuel stocks, and ensure stability in energy supply.
Officials have identified that the main reason for the sudden abnormal demand is the emergence of illegal fuel stockpiling rackets carried out by certain groups attempting to hoard petrol and diesel. Such activities threaten national fuel security and could disrupt transport, production, and essential services if left unchecked.
The government now expects that stricter monitoring will suppress these racketeering operations and ensure that normal daily life and the country’s economic activities continue without disruption during this period of global energy uncertainty.
Accordingly, the Fuel Pass QR code system for purchasing petrol and diesel will be implemented again with effect from 6.00 am on 15 March 2026 as part of the national fuel distribution management strategy.
From 6.00 am on 15 March 2026, no fuel station in Sri Lanka will dispense fuel to any vehicle without a valid QR code issued through the national Fuel Pass platform.
How to obtain a QR code:
- Those who have previously registered for a Fuel Pass QR code:
i. If the ownership details or the registered mobile phone number of the vehicle have not changed, the QR code can be downloaded from the official Fuel Pass website https://fuelpass.gov.lk from midnight on 14 March 2026.
ii. If the vehicle ownership or the registered phone number has changed, users must complete a new registration through the same website https://fuelpass.gov.lk starting from 6.00 am on 15 March 2026.
- Vehicles that have not previously registered for a Fuel Pass QR code and newly registered vehicles under the Department of Motor Vehicles:
i. Owners must complete registration through the website https://fuelpass.gov.lk beginning from 6.00 am on 15 March 2026.
The number of fuel litres allocated per week for each vehicle category has been outlined in the official annexure released alongside the announcement.
Authorities also confirmed that a separate fuel issuance mechanism will operate under a special coordination system for transportation services necessary to maintain national production activities and essential services.
Fuel distribution for private passenger transport buses will be handled through the Sri Lanka Transport Board under this controlled fuel management system to ensure that public transport services continue operating without disruption.
| Vehicle Category | Allowed Import Age Limit (Years) |
|---|---|
| Bus | 60 |
| Motorcycle | 5 |
| Van | 40 |
| Motor Car | 15 |
| Motor Lorry | 200 |
| Land Vehicles | 25 |
| Motor Three-Wheeler | 15 |
| Special Purpose Vehicles | 40 |
| Quadricycle | 5 |
