MoE announcement on fuel distribution and pricing

The Ministry of Energy has announced the implementation of Barcode and QR Code systems at petrol stations, as well as a comparison between international and domestic fuel prices.
To prevent fuel shortages and ensure that those in genuine need can purchase fuel conveniently, a new system was launched on 12 March 2026 at fuel stations across the Nay Pyi Taw Council Area, Yangon, Mandalay, and Taunggyi. Under this system, the barcode included on a motor vehicle’s Wheel Tax certificate, and the data contained on a motorcycle’s certificate, are used to generate specific QR codes. These codes are verified via a mobile application at the time of purchase. Continuous efforts are being made to enhance the software and technical infrastructure to improve efficiency and user convenience.
On the launch day, petrol stations in the designated areas successfully served 62,017 motor vehicles and 56,080 motorcycles through the application system in an orderly manner. During this trial phase, some difficulties were encountered. These included faded wheel tax barcodes, which made scanning difficult, discrepancies between vehicle information contained in the wheel tax barcode and the system database, and attempts by some vehicles to purchase fuel more than once within a single day. Therefore, coordination is currently being carried out with the relevant departments in order to ensure that vehicle information is more comprehensive and accurate.
Starting from 15 March 2026, for vehicles with unscannable barcodes, fuel stations will record the vehicle details and issue a temporary QR code solely for the purpose of purchasing fuel. However, owners of such vehicles are required to visit the Road Transport Administration Department as soon as possible to resolve the issue.
For private vehicles undertaking long-distance journeys, additional fuel can be purchased without the need for a second scan. By presenting a receipt of a purchase made earlier that day, drivers may buy fuel again at stations located along highways or in other cities more than 100 miles away.
International fuel prices have been rising sharply. Compared to prices before the global oil crisis, international petrol prices have increased by over 70 per cent, while diesel has risen by more than 100 per cent. Despite this, the Government and the Myanmar Petroleum Trade Association are cooperating to maintain domestic stability. Consequently, as of 13th March 2026, domestic prices have increased by only 12 per cent for petrol and 23 per cent for diesel relative to pre-crisis levels.
National fuel reserves are currently sufficient for approximately 40 days of petrol and 50 days of diesel. Currently, three tankers are unloading at Thilawa, two are at the pilot station awaiting entry, three are en route, and 12 are waiting to load, bringing the total to 20 tankers involved in the current transport cycle. Furthermore, arrangements have been made to import an additional 19 tankers during March.
Through public cooperation, national fuel reserves can be further strengthened. The Ministry of Energy remains committed to the fair and sufficient distribution of fuel across the country and kindly requests the continued cooperation of the public.
Ministry of Energy

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