Although Myanmar’s military regime has lifted alternating even-odd driving restrictions originally imposed to address a fuel crisis, vehicle owners must still keep an even-odd quota system to purchase fuel, according to junta officials.

The restrictions, introduced in March following Middle East conflict-driven fuel shortages, allowed vehicles on the road only on alternating days based on license plates.

The regime ended the six-month ban on Sept. 9.

However, junta spokesperson Dr. Khine Khine Soe announced that the even-odd QR code system governing fuel purchases remains fully in effect.

“For the sake of national energy security and the public interest, the even-odd QR quota system for vehicle refueling will remain in place,” she said, requesting the public to continue cooperation.

Under the QR system, weekly fuel purchases are capped by engine capacity and restricted to once per day on alternating even or odd days. Residents say the measure continues to severely constrain daily life and commercial activity, particularly for long-distance commuters.

“It makes no difference to us; we feel no relief,” said a Yangon resident. “Even though they claim the driving restriction is gone, the limits on actually buying fuel are still fully in place.”

Analysts warn that the regime’s quota system will fail to resolve the country's underlying fuel shortages and will instead continue to fuel the black market.