Sri Lanka delays fuel distribution as per QR Code system
Colombo [Sri Lanka], July 25: The Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) stated that Sri Lanka’s new QR code system process of fuel distribution which was scheduled to commence from today, will be delayed further.
Earlier, the process of the refuelling process for the vehicles was announced by the Power and Energy Ministry of Sri Lanka. The process will be conducted as per the QR code system under the National Fuel Pass portal along with the last digit of the vehicle's registration number.
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The ministry also stated that, "All arrangements are in place to launch the distribution process by scanning the QR code from today. The fuel will be issued for a maximum of Rs. 1,500 for motorcycles, Rs. 2,000 for three-wheelers and Rs. 7,000 for other vehicles during the course of next week until the fuel permit takes effect."
"The vehicles with the number plate's last digit ending with 6, 7, 8 or 9 will be allowed for refuelling only on Wednesday and Friday," it added.
However, the ICTA ruled out the announcement saying that under the current situation, the fuel pass will only be used in selected gas stations and it will take another few days to implement this system across the island.
Power and Energy minister Kanchana Wijesekera said that the fuel pass was introduced to ensure a weekly fuel quota for motorists given that Sri Lanka is unable to import fuel in adequate quantities.
The economic crisis has particularly impacted food security, agriculture, livelihoods, and access to health services. Food production in the last harvest season was 40 - 50 per cent lower than last year, and the current agricultural season is at risk, with seeds, fertilizers, fuel and credit shortages.
The economic crisis which is the worst in Sri Lanka's history has prompted an acute shortage of essential items like fuel. Long queues at fuel stations in Sri Lanka is the new normal and prices fluctuate subject to availability.
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Hundreds of Sri Lankans continue to queue up at petrol pumps across the debt-ridden country every day amid fuel shortage, and a large number of people are ditching their cars and motorcycles for bicycles for their daily commute.
Skyrocketing prices of fuel are also one of the reasons behind the spike in bicycle sales and some stores are running out of stock.
-PTC News
