M’sians pay under RM80 for a full tank while neighbours fork out up to RM400; subsidised petrol keeps costs low, shield citizens from global fuel shocks

PETALING JAYA: Paying below RM80 for a full tank of petrol may feel normal for Malaysians – until they realise the same tank costs nearly RM400 just across the border in Singapore.

For many, fuelling up is a routine chore, hardly worth a second thought. Yet a glance at the price tags in neighbouring countries reveals just how privileged Malaysian motorists are.

At RM1.99 per litre for RON95 under the Budi Madani (Budi95) scheme, Malaysians continue to enjoy some of the lowest petrol prices in Southeast Asia.

In Cambodia, petrol exceeds RM5 per litre. In Thailand, a tankful costs roughly RM220.

For a 40-litre tank, the Philippines sees drivers paying around RM208, Indonesia about RM172 and Singapore almost RM400. By comparison, a full tank in Malaysia comes to just RM79.60.

Auditor Nur Afiqah Rahman, 26, said the disparity is eye-opening.

“I knew we were paying less, but I didn’t expect it to be that big of a difference. When you compare paying below RM80 for a full tank here to almost RM400 in Singapore, it really makes you think.”

For Afiqah, the subsidy quietly eases daily expenses, especially her commute.

“Petrol is something we use almost every day, so having it at a lower price definitely helps. It may not seem obvious, but it reduces the overall burden of living costs,” she added.

Delivery rider Mohd Faizal Azman, 28, said the subsidy is essential for those whose income depends on the road.

“If petrol prices were like in other countries, I don’t think I could continue doing this job. My daily expenses would increase a lot and it would directly affect my earnings.”

Faizal also acknowledged the subsidy’s limits.

“Of course it helps us now, but I also understand the government has to spend a lot. If one day they reduce it, people like me will feel it immediately,” he said, adding that he tries to manage fuel usage carefully.

Retiree Suhirley Arfiza Khalil, 52, echoed the sentiment, noting that low petrol prices have long been taken for granted.

“For many years, Malaysians have enjoyed low petrol prices, so it has become something we expect. But when you compare with other countries, you realise it is actually a privilege.

“At the end of the day, people have to be ready for changes. Fuel prices are going up globally due to conflicts and Malaysia is not the only country feeling the impact.”

 The Sun Malaysia