Fuel Pass QR Code Sri Lanka 2026 – Complete Registration & Troubleshooting Guide
Fuel Pass QR Code is Mandatory Since March 15, 2026
Every vehicle in Sri Lanka must have a registered QR code to purchase fuel. No QR code means no fuel at any station.
Register at fuelpass.gov.lkSri Lanka's government reintroduced the National Fuel Authorization System (also called the National Fuel Pass) using QR codes, which became mandatory from 6:00 AM on March 15, 2026. This system ties a unique QR code to every vehicle and must be presented at fuel stations before any fuel is dispensed.
This guide covers everything you need to know: how to register at fuelpass.gov.lk, your weekly fuel quota, how to fix common registration errors, and what tourists need to do. Whether you're registering for the first time or re-registering after a vehicle transfer, this is your complete reference.
What Is the National Fuel Pass?
The National Fuel Pass is a government-mandated system that assigns a unique QR code to every vehicle in Sri Lanka. When you go to a fuel station, you must present this QR code — either on your phone screen or as a printed copy — before the pump attendant will dispense any fuel.
This isn't entirely new. The system was first introduced during the 2022 fuel crisis and was suspended in 2023 when supply stabilized. It has now been reintroduced and made mandatory nationwide from March 15, 2026.
Why Was It Brought Back?
Two main factors forced the government's hand:
- Middle East conflicts have disrupted global petroleum supply chains, making it harder and more expensive for Sri Lanka to import fuel.
- Rising domestic fuel demand — authorities identified abnormally high consumption along with illegal fuel hoarding and black-market activities contributing to supply shortages.
The QR-based quota system ensures that available fuel is distributed fairly among all vehicle owners rather than being stockpiled by a few.
Weekly Fuel Quotas by Vehicle Type
Each vehicle type has a fixed weekly fuel allowance. The quota resets every Sunday at midnight.
| Vehicle Type | Weekly Quota |
|---|---|
| Motorcycles | 5 litres |
| Motor Cars & Three-Wheelers | 15 litres |
| Vans | 40 litres |
| Buses | 60 litres |
| Motor Lorries | 200 litres |
How to Register for Your Fuel Pass QR Code
Registration happens at fuelpass.gov.lk. There are three scenarios depending on your situation:
1Already Registered Before (Nothing Changed)
If your vehicle ownership and mobile number are the same as when you last registered in 2023:
Go to fuelpass.gov.lk
Open the website and click the "Vehicle Login" button.
Log in with your existing credentials
Enter your vehicle number and the mobile number you registered with in 2023.
Download your QR code
Your existing QR code will be available. Download it to your phone or print it out.
2Previously Registered but Details Changed
If your phone number changed or the vehicle ownership has been transferred since 2023:
Go to fuelpass.gov.lk
Click the "Vehicle Registration" button (not Vehicle Login).
Re-register with updated details
Enter your vehicle number, chassis number, NIC, and your current mobile number.
Verify and download
Complete OTP verification and download your new QR code.
3Brand New User or Newly Purchased Vehicle
If you never registered before or have a newly purchased vehicle:
Go to fuelpass.gov.lk
Click "Vehicle Registration".
Complete full registration
Enter your vehicle registration number, chassis number (exactly as on your registration certificate — it's case-sensitive), NIC number, and mobile number.
Verify via OTP
You'll receive an OTP to your mobile number. Enter it to verify.
Download and save your QR code
Save the QR code to your phone gallery or print a hard copy. Keep it accessible for fuel station visits.
Registration Rules & Important Tips
The Fundamental Rule
One mobile number + One NIC + One vehicle
Each vehicle is tied to exactly one NIC and one phone number. You cannot register multiple vehicles under the same NIC.
Key Rules to Remember
- Chassis number is case-sensitive — it must match your vehicle registration certificate exactly. A lowercase letter entered as uppercase (or vice versa) will cause registration to fail.
- If your vehicle number contains "Sri", enter only the numbers. Do not type "Sri" in the vehicle number field.
- Company or institutional vehicles can register using a Business Registration Number (BRN) instead of a personal NIC.
- Both petrol and diesel vehicles must register — the system applies to all fuel types.
Common Problems & How to Fix Them
The rollout has been bumpy — around 600,000 QR codes had issues initially, though CPC says those have been resolved. Here are the most common problems and their solutions:
"Vehicle Already Registered" Error
This happens when the previous owner's record still exists in the system, typically after a vehicle transfer.
Solution (as of March 19, 2026): A new feature now lets you override/reset old registrations by entering your vehicle number and chassis number. This bypasses the old phone number entirely.
The government is also conducting a province-by-province data cleansing to remove old vehicle records for transfers made after August 2023. Until the old record is deleted from your province, the override feature is your best option.
Changed Phone Number — Can't Log In
If you registered in 2023 with a phone number you no longer use:
Solution: Use the same override feature added on March 19 — enter your vehicle number and chassis number to reset the registration and link it to your current phone number.
The Ministry of Digital Economy has also been working with all three mobile operators (Dialog, Mobitel, Hutch) to identify and remove deactivated numbers from the database.
Registration Fails or Website Errors
- Check your chassis number — the most common cause of failed registration is an incorrectly entered chassis number. It's case-sensitive.
- Try a different browser — some users report issues with specific browsers. Chrome and Safari tend to work best.
- Clear your browser cache and try again.
- Try during off-peak hours — the site experiences heavy traffic. Early morning or late night may work better.
- Contact the hotline — call 1919 or WhatsApp 076 000 1919 for direct assistance.
For Tourists & Foreigners
If you're visiting Sri Lanka and need to fuel a vehicle, the process is straightforward:
- Visit fuelpass.gov.lk and select the "Foreigner/Tourist" option.
- Register using your passport number instead of a Sri Lankan NIC.
- You'll receive a QR code linked to the vehicle you're using.
Additional Fuel Management Measures
Beyond the QR code system, the government has introduced additional measures to manage fuel supply:
Wednesday Government Holiday
Every Wednesday has been declared a special government holiday until further notice. Government offices are closed on Wednesdays to reduce overall fuel consumption and commuting demand.
Number Plate Last-Digit System
Fuel is also being distributed based on the last digit of vehicle number plates alongside the QR system. This means on certain days, only vehicles whose number plates end in specific digits can purchase fuel. Check local announcements for the daily schedule, as this reduces congestion at fuel stations.
Support & Contact Information
If you're having trouble with registration or your QR code, use these official support channels:
Government Hotline
1919
Call from any phone
WhatsApp Support
076 000 1919
Send a message anytime
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I get my Fuel Pass QR code in Sri Lanka?
Visit fuelpass.gov.lk and click 'Vehicle Registration' to register your vehicle. You need your vehicle number, chassis number, NIC, and mobile number. After registration, you can download your QR code from the same site.
Q: What is the weekly fuel quota in Sri Lanka 2026?
Weekly fuel quotas are: Motorcycles 5 litres, Motor cars & three-wheelers 15 litres, Vans 40 litres, Buses 60 litres, and Motor lorries 200 litres. The quota resets every Sunday at midnight.
Q: I get a 'Vehicle Already Registered' error on fuelpass.gov.lk. What should I do?
This happens when the previous owner's record still exists. As of March 19, 2026, you can override the old registration by entering your vehicle number and chassis number on fuelpass.gov.lk. The government is also doing province-by-province data cleansing for transfers made after August 2023.
Q: I changed my phone number. How do I log in to my Fuel Pass account?
The Ministry of Digital Economy has been working with mobile operators to remove deactivated numbers. Since March 19, 2026, you can reset your registration by entering your vehicle number and chassis number on fuelpass.gov.lk, bypassing the old phone number.
Q: Can I use a printed QR code instead of showing it on my phone?
Yes. You can present your Fuel Pass QR code either as a digital image on your phone screen or as a printed copy. Both are accepted at fuel stations.
Q: Can tourists get a Fuel Pass QR code in Sri Lanka?
Yes. Tourists can register at fuelpass.gov.lk by selecting the 'Foreigner/Tourist' option and using their passport number. Rental vehicles from reputable agencies typically come pre-registered with a QR code.
Q: What happens if I go to a fuel station without a QR code?
No fuel will be dispensed without a valid QR code. The QR code became mandatory at all fuel stations from 6:00 AM on March 15, 2026.
Q: Can I register multiple vehicles under one NIC?
The fundamental rule is one mobile number, one NIC, and one vehicle. If you own multiple vehicles, each must be registered under a different eligible person or using the appropriate business registration process.
Q: What is the Wednesday fuel holiday in Sri Lanka?
The government has declared every Wednesday as a special government holiday until further notice to help manage fuel supply pressures. Government offices are closed, which reduces overall fuel consumption.
Q: How do I register a company or institutional vehicle for the Fuel Pass?
Company or institutional vehicles can register using a Business Registration Number (BRN) instead of a personal NIC at fuelpass.gov.lk through the 'Vehicle Registration' option.
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Disclaimer: Fuel quotas, registration requirements, and government policies may change at short notice. While we strive to keep this guide updated, always verify current details on the official website (fuelpass.gov.lk) or contact the government hotline 1919 before relying on this information.
Last Updated: March 23, 2026
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