Malaysian PM States His Country is the Only One in Southeast Asia Not Restricting Fuel

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stated that his country has not yet implemented fuel rationing amid the global supply crisis.

He compared the situation to several other Southeast Asian countries that have begun restricting distribution, even closing hundreds of public fuel stations (SPBUs).

“RON95 petrol is provided at one of the lowest prices in the world, namely RM1.99 per litre. Diesel prices are high, but for farmers, fishermen, and school buses, the prices have been reduced. What is the price of RON95 in neighbouring countries? Some reach RM10.50 per litre, others RM4, and RM6. And us? RM1.99,” said Anwar, quoted by The Edge Malaysia citing Bernama on Saturday (25/4/2026).

With an exchange rate of 1 Malaysian ringgit equivalent to Rp4,351, the price of RON95 in Malaysia is around Rp8,658 per litre. This figure is far lower than in some neighbouring countries, which reach the equivalent of Rp45,685 per litre.

This relationship provides access for Malaysian tanker ships to continue crossing the Strait of Hormuz amid geopolitical tensions.

“Which other country is allowed to send oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz? Yet there are opposition political leaders who claim we do not pass through the Strait of Hormuz. This shows a lack of humility in seeking facts,” said Anwar.

Anwar emphasised that monitoring is now being tightened to curb subsidy leakages.

“Our fuel is too cheap and smuggling is rampant. When smuggling occurs, it means state money is flowing out. So we must tighten controls because billions of ringgit are lost,” he said.

The government has also instructed central and regional levels to respond to the global energy situation. The public is urged to be more discerning in filtering information, especially from social media.