Last digit number system for fuel to be scrapped

The last digit number system for fuel is to be scrapped from 1st of August and only the fuel pass will be used, Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said today.

Wijesekera said that the national fuel pass will be implemented around the island from tomorrow (Tuesday 26th July) at multiple CEYPETCO and LIOC fuel stations. The system will be in place with the last digit of the number plate until the 1st of August.

“Stations not equipped or having technical difficulties will follow the last digit and fuel quota allocation until the technical issues are rectified. 60% of the locations has already been equipped and tested and will be given a priority in fuel distribution,” the Minister said.

He also requested all fuel station owners at CEYPETCO and LIOC to adopt the system immediately adding that the distribution will be strictly enforced at fuel stations with the QR facilities by 1st of August.

“QR system was introduced since the daily fuel demand cannot be fulfilled. Due to Forex issues, Fuel imports has to be restricted in the next 12 months. CPC has never distributed Fuel daily to Every single Fuel Station. Practically Not Possible even when stocks are unlimited,” he tweeted.

He said that options will be given to users to register multiple vehicles with their business registration by the end of the week and also for Government institutions to register. Divisional Secretaries will be given access to the platform to register generators, gardening equipment and other equipment.

The Police Department and Divisional Secretaries will be given access to register three-wheelers, allocating each 3 wheeler to one specific fuel station. The Ministry of Transport will be given access to register buses by allocating them to depots or fuel stations accordingly.

Other services such as health, agriculture, fisheries,tourism, industries and service providing sectors will be given access to the system to register their requirements and allocation of vehicles at fuel stations.

From the 1st of August only the QR quota system will be in place and the last digit of the number plate system and other allocations will be invalid, the Minister said in a tweet.

He said that the National Youth Corp and National Youth Council members and volunteers will assist the program at fuel stations for the next 10 days. (Colombo Gazette)