ISTANBUL

Sri Lanka has introduced weekly fuel quotas for vehicles through a QR code system amid growing uncertainty over global fuel supplies.

The system came into effect on Sunday, local media outlet Daily Mirror reported.

Under the scheme, weekly allocations include 15 liters for cars, 5 liters for motorbikes, 15 liters for three-wheelers and 60 liters for buses. Fuel will not be issued without a valid QR code, and all vehicle owners must register on an official government website.

Authorities say the measure aims to prevent fuel hoarding and panic buying, ensure fair distribution of limited fuel stocks and maintain essential economic activity during the crisis.

The reintroduction of the QR code system triggered long queues at several fuel stations across the country, particularly on the first day of implementation.

Sri Lanka currently has about 33 days of diesel stocks and 27 days of petrol stocks, according to officials.

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) warned that the current fuel quota is insufficient for doctors to carry out their duties effectively.

GMOA spokesman Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe said the weekly allowance of 15 liters for cars is impractical for medical professionals who must travel frequently and respond to emergency calls.

He noted that many doctors live far from their workplaces and often work on-call shifts, requiring them to travel at short notice.

Despite rising diesel prices and supply concerns, the Power and Energy Ministry has assured that electricity supply will remain stable. Officials say the country currently has sufficient diesel and furnace oil to support thermal power plants, while hydroelectric generation and solar power are also contributing to the national grid.

Sri Lanka is also expanding diplomatic efforts to secure additional fuel supplies from India, Russia and China.

Elsewhere in the region, Malaysia’s tourism industry groups have asked the government to temporarily subsidize fuel for tourism transport operators because rising fuel prices are increasing operating costs, Bernama reported.

Industry representatives say many tour bus and van operators signed contracts months earlier based on lower fuel prices.

Several Asian countries have also introduced measures such as work-from-home arrangements and online teaching to cope with the energy situation.