KUALA LUMPUR, July 14 — Fuel prices in Malaysia are lower than those in major oil producers like Qatar and Saudi Arabia, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said subsidised RON95 under the BUDI95 initiative remains at RM1.99 per litre, compared with Saudi Arabia’s RM2.40 per litre, which demonstrates Putrajaya’s commitment to keeping fuel affordable and refutes claims that Malaysian prices lack competitiveness with other oil producers.
“Fuel prices in Malaysia are lower than those in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, that is a fact that must be remembered. When we called for fuel prices to be reduced to RM1.50, the price in Saudi Arabia at that time was around 50 sen.
“Now, the price of RON95 in Malaysia is RM1.99 per litre, while in Saudi Arabia it is over RM2.40 per litre. Qatar and the United Arab Emirates also recorded higher prices, and the UAE even raised fuel prices two months ago despite being a major oil producer,” he said at the Dewan Rakyat today in reply to a supplementary question from Datuk Rosol Wahid (PN-Hulu Terengganu) about the difference in fuel prices during Najib administration, as well as Anwar’s pledge when he was in the opposition to lower the rates.
Anwar said fuel price fluctuations should be viewed in the context of the current economic situation and by considering the full range of government aid for the people, including Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR), Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), BUDI95 and BUDI Diesel.
“Overall, the assistance provided is much greater than before, but I do not want to compare … Sometimes it may be different and the country’s revenue was also much lower than it is now,” he said.
He also welcomed constructive proposals to improve fuel price policies, and asserted that the government listens to all views before adjusting policies to ensure economic stability and the people’s well-being.
In his original question, referring to the prolonged crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, Rosol asked Anwar about the government’s assessment of the situation and steps taken to mitigate its impact.
Anwar said the government is focusing on ensuring sufficient fuel supply, maintaining goods price stability, providing assistance to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and bolstering the economy.
He said allocations for STR and SARA have been increased to RM15 billion to the benefit of over nine million recipients, while the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) have provided rent discounts on business premises.
Anwar added that the West Asia conflict and disruptions to key trade routes like the Strait of Hormuz has continued to pressure global and national economies.
