Global Energy Turmoil, Malaysia Pushes Biodiesel and Fuel Savings

PUTRAJAYA, KOMPAS.com — The Malaysian government is preparing anticipatory measures to address a prolonged period of volatility in the global energy market. Malaysia’s Economy Minister, Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, warned that achieving oil price stability at pre-crisis levels is increasingly difficult amid geopolitical tensions and global supply chain disruptions. Speaking at the Ministry of Economy’s Monthly Assembly, Akmal assessed that recent dynamics in the global energy market indicate that sharp surges and drops in prices are becoming an increasingly common pattern. This statement reflects a fundamental change in the global energy landscape. Previously, price fluctuations were viewed as short-term cycles, but now they are considered a permanent characteristic of the market, triggered by instability in major shipping routes and protracted geopolitical conflicts. Akmal emphasised that this global condition change demands a more adaptive, data-based policy response. According to him, the ongoing uncertainty has shifted the policy approach from reactive to more anticipatory and integrated. In this regard, energy planning does not stand alone but is closely linked to inflation control and structural reforms in the energy sector. The Malaysian government is beginning to view these three aspects as a unified, interconnected strategy. As part of the structural response, the Malaysian government is promoting a gradual increase in biodiesel usage. The palm oil-based fuel blending programme will be raised from the B10 level to B15 in several phases. Akmal noted that, operationally, this increase in biodiesel usage can be implemented without waiting for major infrastructure development.