Tuesday Mar 17, 2026
Tuesday Mar 17, 2026
Monday, 16 March 2026 05:25 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
PickMe yesterday called for higher fuel quotas for ride-hailing firms following the introduction of the QR code system to manage scarce supplies.
“Sri Lanka is once again facing global uncertainty that could place pressure on energy supplies. While the situation differs from the fuel crisis of recent years, it is a reminder that in times of scarcity, how we use fuel matters as much as how much we have,” PickMe said in a statement.
“Sri Lanka has already shown that it can respond with agility. The QR-based fuel rationing system introduced during the last crisis proved that digital tools can manage limited resources in a fair and transparent way. But as policymakers consider future allocation systems, one principle deserves attention: not all fuel consumption delivers the same value to the economy,” it argued.
Shared mobility platforms such as PickMe use technology to connect passengers and drivers in real time, ensuring vehicles move with purpose rather than circulating the streets searching for customers. This significantly reduces empty mileage and maximises every litre of fuel.
PickMe said a single shared mobility vehicle can serve dozens of passengers in a day, replacing multiple private vehicle trips. In simple terms, one vehicle can move many people, not just one.
“For this reason, ride-hailing vehicles operating within the app-based shared economy should receive a higher fuel allocation during periods of rationing. Prioritising taxis and ride-hailing vehicles ensures scarce fuel moves more people, sustains daily economic activity, and protects the livelihoods of thousands of drivers who depend on these platforms,” PickMe emphasised.
“At moments like this, policy choices shape how resilient an economy can be. Supporting shared mobility is not about favouring one sector; it is about using limited fuel in the smartest way possible to keep the country moving,” the company added.
