Uber, Pickme urge enhanced fuel quotas to sustain mobility and delivery services

Sri Lanka’s app-based ride-hailing and delivery platforms, Uber and PickMe, have formally requested the government to allocate higher weekly fuel quotas for their most engaged driver and delivery partners. 

In a joint media statement issued by PickMe on behalf of both technology companies, the platforms highlighted their critical role in ensuring public access to transport, food, and essential services. The appeal comes in the wake of renewed fuel constraints, with the platforms cautioning that current allowances will prevent drivers and couriers from meeting rising public demand.

The demand arises against the backdrop of Sri Lanka’s ongoing management of national fuel supplies. While the government recently eased constraints by increasing regular fuel quotas from March 21 onwards, platform operators argue this broad adjustment falls short of what commercial drivers require to remain operational.

In their joint statement, Uber and PickMe welcomed the government’s recent decision to increase the allocations, viewing it as a positive step toward easing current constraints. However, the companies stressed that given the essential role played by platform drivers in maintaining nationwide mobility and delivery services, the revised quotas remain fundamentally insufficient to sustain operations at the necessary scale. Consequently, the two platforms, which facilitate millions of trips weekly across Sri Lanka, respectfully requested the government to consider enhanced weekly allocations specifically tailored for platform drivers.

To ensure resources are utilised effectively, Uber and PickMe pledged to actively monitor trip volumes and courier engagement, which will help optimize fuel efficiency and minimize the public’s need for private vehicle usage to meet essential needs. The companies noted that strengthening fuel access for this segment will ensure the continued delivery of essential services and maintain connectivity for reliant communities. 

Furthermore, they emphasised that this support will contribute to the broader tourism industry and protect the earnings of tens of thousands of individuals who depend on these platforms for their livelihoods.