Uncertainty over Global Fuel Supply: QR Code to continue indefinitely

• Uncertainty over timely delivery of fuel in the world  
• Request sent to Moscow for Russian oil purchases  
• China also expresses willingness to help  
• India agrees to supply fuel in case of an emergency  
• Sri Lanka is almost entirely dependent on imported fossil fuels for transport and power
• The amount of fuel to be issued would change, depending upon the unfolding circumstances

By Kelum Bandara

The National Fuel Authorization System (QR Code), introduced by the government in the midst of uncertainty in the global economy following the Middle East, is to continue for an indefinite period with the government planning to link it to a digital payment mode in the future, an official said.   
Under the system, the government has limited fuel for all vehicles to manage, following supply disruptions.  
An official of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) told Daily Mirror that his office would press ahead with QR Code for the rationing of fuel distribution for an indefinite period as things stand at the moment.  
“We want to link fuel sales through QR Code to a digital payment mode, “he said. 
However, he said the amount of fuel to be issued would change, depending upon the unfolding circumstances.   
However, he asserted that the fuel supplies had been secured for two months without any problem. Uncertainty looms large over global fuel delivery on schedule because of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the availability of vessels.   
Asked about steps for fuel imports amidst uncertainty in the world, he said India had agreed to provide fuel to Sri Lanka under a Government to Government arrangement. 
Also, he said China had promised to help in case of an emergency.  
Sri Lanka is almost entirely dependent on imported fossil fuels for transport and power, with monthly consumption often exceeding 50,000 tonnes for key products. The country maintains roughly a month’s supply—approximately 33 days of diesel and 27 days of petrol—to manage supply stability.  
Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath held discussions with Russian Levan S. Dzhagaryan, to explore the possibility of purchasing fuel from Russian ships lingering in the region.  
The government has already made the request in writing. According to the Russian Embassy in Colombo, the letter has now been forwarded to Moscow for further consideration.  
Oil markets are facing the “largest supply disruption in history” as the war in Iran continues to block tankers from shipping millions of barrels of crude each day, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned.  
The IEA said the supply shock ignited by Iran’s effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz meant the world faced a deeper crisis than after the Yom Kippur war of 1973 and the 2022 outbreak of war in Ukraine, as reported by the foreign media.