Malaysia Reduces Subsidised Fuel Quota to Anticipate Energy Crisis

The Malaysian government has lowered the quota for purchasing subsidised fuel of the Research Octane Number 95 (RON 95) type. This policy will take effect from 1 April 2026. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that the new quota is 200 litres per person per month, down from the previous 300 litres. “The government will adjust the eligibility limit (quota) for RON 95 from 300 litres per month to 200 litres per month, starting 1 April 2026,” said Anwar Ibrahim in a statement in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday (26/3/2026) evening. Nearly 90 percent of citizens use less than 200 litres of this type of fuel per month. This condition forms the basis for the quota adjustment. The policy is also aimed at maintaining energy resilience amid risks of a global crisis. The government considers restrictions necessary to prevent abuse. Several viral cases have shown improper purchasing practices. There are foreign vehicles buying subsidised fuel. There are also citizens filling fuel into jerry cans. Foreign citizens are charged the normal price of around 3.87 ringgit per litre or Rp16,389. Foreign-plated vehicles must use RON 97 at around 5.15 ringgit per litre or Rp21,812. The government is also limiting maximum purchases to 50 litres per transaction for small vehicles. This rule applies to private vehicles, goods transport, and public transportation. “Without this adjustment, we are concerned about tendencies to hoard and smuggle, as has been detected so far,” said Anwar.