QR fuel distribution to continue

Wednesday, 26 August 2026 00:20 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday said the Government will continue its QR-based fuel distribution system as uncertainty surrounding conflicts in the Middle East continues to affect global oil markets,

He said the QR mechanism remains necessary to manage the country’s fuel supplies and ensure that available stocks are distributed without major disruption.

“The continuation of the system is aimed at ensuring an orderly distribution of fuel, while we monitor developments in the global oil market and the ongoing instability in the Middle East,” he added.

He said fuel consumption has declined since the QR system was introduced, although the reduction has been relatively limited.

According to the Cabinet Spokesman, diesel usage has fallen by 10%, while petrol consumption has declined by 9%.

Dr. Jayatissa opined that continued instability around the Strait of Hormuz is contributing to fluctuations in global crude oil prices and that the international oil crisis has not yet been resolved.

“The oil crisis has not yet been resolved. As a country, we are using this system to maintain daily life as much as possible without disruption,” he added.

He also said that fuel supplies are currently being prioritised for essential sectors, as the Government seeks to manage available stocks amid uncertainty in international energy markets.