Ministry of Power and Energy launches ‘National Fuel Pass’ to streamline fuel distribution

Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera (centre) addressing the media on the launch of the National Fuel Pass. Others from left: Sri Lanka Police ASP (IT) Prabath Perera, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation Chairman Mohamed Uvais Mohamed, ICTA Chairman Jayantha De Silva and Lanka IOC Managing Director Manoj Gupta  

The Ministry of Power and Energy on Saturday announced the launch of the “National Fuel Pass” to provide the public with a convenient and easily accessible solution to obtain fuel and facilitate an allocation-based fuel distribution method. 

Developed together with technology  partner, Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA), this solution has been implemented at all outlets managed by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and Lanka IOC.

To register for a Fuel Pass, visit http://fuelpass.gov.lk and follow the registration process, after which a unique Fuel Pass in the form of a QR code will be displayed – which can be saved on a mobile device or printed to be produced at fuel outlets. As per the newly introduced system, each vehicle, once registered for the Fuel Pass, will be allocated a weekly quota of fuel, which will be refreshed every Sunday night (any unutilised quota will not be carried forward).

Once the countrywide registration is completed, respective fuel quotas will be allocated and the launch date of this program will be announced by the Ministry of Power and Energy. Following which, in order to obtain fuel, simply produce the QR code at the fuel station, where the staff at the station will scan the QR code and validate the eligibility and allocation of fuel, and provide fuel within the available balance. Once the requested litre quantity is processed, users will receive a confirmation message on their registered mobile number.

In case a QR code is misplaced, users can login to fuelpass.gov.lk and enter the mobile number to retrieve the QR code or via SMS by typing Fuel QR Vehicle Number and sending it to 0766220000. 

Users can also check their fuel quota balance by visiting the website and logging in with their mobile number or via SMS by typing Fuel Bal Vehicle Number and sending it to 0766220000. Issuance of QR for special segments of vehicles will be announced with a separate procedure by the Ministry shortly.

Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said: “We are pleased to introduce the ‘National Fuel Pass’ to streamline the distribution of limited fuel stocks islandwide, while also providing a systematic and convenient solution to the public amidst the prevailing fuel shortages. 

“I am thankful to Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, Lanka IOC PLC, ICTA and our partners for coming together and developing this solution to facilitate this timely allocation-based fuel distribution method.”

ICTA Chairman Jayantha De Silva said: “We are extremely happy to be part of this national initiative together with the Ministry of Power and Energy, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and Lanka IOC PLC. Our teams have supported this initiative by providing technical advice for the development of the National Fuel Pass. The National Fuel Pass is a timely platform launched to ease the hassle faced by the public.”

Ceylon Petroleum Corporation Chairman Mohamed Uvais Mohamed said: “In view of the prevailing situation and to ensure the uninterrupted supply of fuel to the general public, the National Fuel Pass has been introduced. 

“This system will ensure uninterrupted supply of fuel to all, by way of a prescribed maximum limit of fuel per week. We appreciate the cooperation from the public during these trying times and strongly advice to strictly adhere to the system so that everybody gets a fair chance in obtaining fuel and to reduce the long waiting hours.”

Lanka IOC PLC Managing Director Manoj Gupta said: “An innovative step has been taken by the Ministry of Power and Energy ensuring safety, community stewardship, customer satisfaction and transparency in the fuel distribution system of our nation. 

“We at Lanka IOC, are happy to serve all with the best service, by joining hands with this initiative. The ‘National Fuel Pass’ would bring respite to our people presently going through difficult times and waiting for fuelling needs. Download your QR code to save time and meet your fuel requirement.”