NOT a 2022 Repeat: Minister Explains Why Fuel Use Must Be Managed Now

COLOMBO (News 1st); Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has called on the public to act responsibly and cooperate with the government’s newly introduced QR code-based fuel management system, stressing that the measure is intended to manage fuel consumption amid a volatile global situation and not to disrupt daily life or economic recovery.

Addressing the public, the minister said the government is requesting every citizen to understand the global-scale crisis currently affecting energy markets and to contribute individually toward managing the situation.

He noted that no one can accurately predict how long the ongoing war situation in the Middle East will continue, and therefore the government is planning ahead and implementing measures to mitigate potential risks.

Minister Jayatissa pointed out that many countries around the world have already taken steps to limit fuel and energy consumption, and Sri Lanka is also required to take similar measures. However, he emphasized that the government’s approach is carefully designed to ensure that the country’s recovering economy is not harmed, noting that safeguarding economic continuity is a shared expectation of both the government and the public.

He said the administration remains mindful of the fact that Sri Lanka is in the process of rebuilding a previously collapsed economy, and that any decisions taken must balance consumption control with economic stability. In this context, the minister urged the public to adhere to the QR code system introduced to moderate fuel consumption, assuring that any technical or usage-related issues encountered during implementation would be resolved promptly.

The cabinet spokesperson stressed that the primary objective of the QR code system is to limit overall fuel consumption to a manageable level, warning that failure to do so could result in a far more severe crisis in the future.

Highlighting the broader responsibility of citizens, Minister Jayatissa said the issue extends beyond individual needs and requires thinking in terms of society and the country as a whole. He described compliance with the QR code system as a national responsibility, urging people not to create unnecessary queues or panic at fuel stations, and instead obtain only the fuel required to sustain their normal livelihoods and daily activities.

He advised the public not to rush to conclusions or panic, suggesting that people observe the system over the next few days to better understand how effectively fuel allocations can be managed under the newly issued quantities.

Drawing a distinction between the current situation and the fuel crisis of 2022, the minister said the circumstances are fundamentally different. He explained that in 2022, there was no Middle Eastern conflict disrupting global supply routes, global oil availability was stable, shipping operations were functioning normally, and freight charges had not surged. At that time, Sri Lanka’s core problem was the lack of foreign currency to purchase fuel, which led to restricted imports.

In contrast, he said the present challenge is a global issue, with fuel prices fluctuating rapidly, shipping routes facing uncertainty, and energy supply disruptions affecting many countries simultaneously. He noted that no one can predict how high global oil prices may rise, making it essential for Sri Lanka to prepare in advance.

Minister Jayatissa emphasized that fuel is critically needed for industry, fisheries, transportation, food production, and overall economic activity, warning that failure to manage fuel distribution effectively could lead to serious disruptions across these sectors. The QR code-based system, he said, has been introduced precisely to ensure that fuel consumption is regulated in a way that allows these essential activities to continue.

He concluded by urging the public not to compare the current measures with those of 2022, stating that the present situation reflects a global fuel supply challenge rather than a domestic financial collapse. While many countries have adopted multiple restrictive measures, Sri Lanka is attempting to manage the situation as smoothly as possible, and public cooperation remains critical to the success of this effort.