Malaysia Fuel Prices This Week: Latest RON95, RON97 & Diesel Rates
Get the latest petrol prices for RON95, RON97, and diesel in Malaysia. Understand the fuel subsidy's impact and how to budget for your car rental road trip.
This Week's Official Fuel Prices
Malaysian drivers keep a close watch on the weekly fuel price announcements. For the current week, the Ministry of Finance has set the following retail prices for Peninsular Malaysia. The price of RON97, which is floated based on global market rates, is currently RM4.70 per litre. Diesel is priced at RM4.87 per litre in the Peninsula. For RON95, there are two tiers: the unsubsidised price, which now stands at RM3.87 per litre, and the subsidised price under the BUDI MADANI programme, which remains at RM1.99 per litre for eligible individuals. It is also worth noting that the diesel price in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan is maintained at a lower rate of RM2.15 per litre.
Recent Price Trends and Global Factors
Fuel prices are not static; they are influenced by numerous factors, most notably global crude oil prices. This week, the unsubsidised price of RON95 saw a decrease of RM0.15. However, looking at the trend over the past several weeks reveals some volatility. For instance, there was an increase of RM0.05 in the week of May 7-13 and a RM0.10 increase in the week of April 30-May 6. This fluctuation is closely tied to the price of Brent crude oil, which the Finance Ministry has noted remains above the USD 100 per barrel mark. As long as global market prices stay high, retail prices in Malaysia will feel the effect, especially for non-subsidised fuels.
Understanding the RON95 Petrol Subsidy (BUDI MADANI)
The government's BUDI MADANI program is designed to deliver targeted RON95 petrol subsidies to specific groups. Through this initiative, eligible individuals and small-scale farmers can continue to purchase RON95 at the subsidised rate of RM1.99 per litre. However, it is crucial for car rental customers to understand that rental vehicles, being registered for commercial use, are generally not eligible for this subsidy. This means that when you refuel a rental car, you will be paying the unsubsidised market price, which is RM3.87 per litre this week. Knowing this distinction is key to budgeting accurately for your trip and avoiding any surprises at the pump.
Estimating Fuel Costs for a Long-Distance Trip
Planning a road trip, for example, from Seremban to Penang and back? Let's do a quick calculation of the potential fuel cost. The round-trip distance is approximately 800 kilometres. Most modern rental cars, like those in our fleet, offer good fuel efficiency, averaging around 20 kilometres per litre.
- Total Distance: ~800 km
- Estimated Fuel Consumption: 800 km / 20 km/l = 40 litres
- Cost with RON95 (unsubsidised): 40 litres x RM3.87/litre = RM154.80
- Cost with RON97: 40 litres x RM4.70/litre = RM188.00
Tips to Maximise Your Travel Budget
With fluctuating fuel prices, it's smart to find ways to manage costs. When renting a car, look for packages that include unlimited mileage across the Peninsula, a standard feature with JRV. This allows you to focus solely on your fuel budget without worrying about extra charges for the distance you cover. Furthermore, renting a vehicle from a newer fleet (2024-2026 models) typically translates to better fuel efficiency, directly lowering your petrol expenses. A zero-deposit policy also helps by freeing up your cash for other immediate costs like fuel and tolls. For any trip planning questions, our team is available to assist via WhatsApp at +60 12-656 5477, 24 hours a day.
FAQ
Do rental cars in Malaysia use subsidised or unsubsidised petrol?
Rental cars typically use unsubsidised petrol. As they are registered for commercial purposes, they are not eligible for the targeted BUDI MADANI subsidy, so you should budget based on the unsubsidised market price for RON95.
How much would fuel cost for a round trip from Seremban to Kuala Lumpur?
A round trip from Seremban to KL is about 130 km. In a fuel-efficient car (~20 km/l), you would need approximately 6.5 litres of petrol, costing around RM25 with unsubsidised RON95.
What is the main difference between RON95 and RON97 petrol?
The main difference is the Research Octane Number (RON). RON97 has a higher octane rating, which means it is more resistant to engine knocking and is often recommended for high-performance engines. RON95 is suitable for the vast majority of cars on the road.
Are diesel prices the same in Peninsular and East Malaysia?
No, they are different. The diesel price in Peninsular Malaysia is currently RM4.87 per litre, while in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan, it is maintained at a lower, subsidised rate of RM2.15 per litre.