Fuel QR based odd-even system creates unnecessary chaos: Fuel distributors

Fuel distributors warned that the continued use of an odd-even vehicle numbering system under Sri Lanka's QR-based fuel distribution scheme is creating "unnecessary chaos" and denying motorists timely access to their allocated quotas.

Petroleum Distributors Association (PDA) Executive Committee Member D.V. Shantha Silva criticised the policy, arguing that restricting fuel access based on odd and even number plates defeats the very purpose of assigning a fixed quota to each vehicle.

"Fuel quotas have already been digitally assigned to every vehicle owner. There is no logical reason to limit access to those quotas on specific days," Silva told Daily Mirror, warning that the system is causing widespread inconvenience.

He pointed out that motorists are often unable to obtain fuel when urgently needed. "Even in emergencies, people are forced to wait until their designated odd or even day. That is simply impractical," he said.

The criticism comes despite authorities announcing a temporary relaxation from April 1, allowing both odd- and even-numbered vehicles to obtain fuel under the existing QR quota system.