Malaysia Fuel Prices This Week (13-19 Aug 2026): RON97 Drops
Get the latest RON95, RON97, and diesel fuel prices in Malaysia for 13-19 August 2026. Understand how these weekly changes affect your travel and car rental budget.
Latest Retail Fuel Prices (13 – 19 August 2026)
The Ministry of Finance has announced the new retail fuel prices for the upcoming week, effective from August 13 to August 19, 2026. This week sees a welcome decrease across all fuel categories, offering some relief for drivers planning their journeys. These prices are standardised for all stations across Peninsular Malaysia.
- RON97 is down by 20 sen to RM4.15 per litre.
- Unsubsidised RON95 is down by 15 sen to RM3.62 per litre.
- Unsubsidised Diesel is down by 10 sen to RM4.47 per litre.
Price Movements Over the Past Month
This week's price drop follows a period of steady increases. For context, during the week of July 23-29, both RON97 and unsubsidised RON95 saw a 20-sen hike, while diesel increased by 35 sen. The upward trend continued from July 30 to August 5, with all three fuels rising by another 20 sen each. These fluctuations are tied to global oil price movements. The current decrease is attributed to Brent crude oil prices dipping below USD 80 a barrel last week, though they have since rebounded to around USD 88 as of August 14.
Understanding RON95 and Diesel Subsidies
The Malaysian government continues its BUDI MADANI targeted subsidy program. Under this initiative, eligible individuals and small-scale farmers can purchase fuel at a lower, subsidised rate. The price for subsidised RON95 (BUDI95) is maintained at RM1.99 per litre, and subsidised diesel is RM2.10 per litre. It is important for travellers to note that eligibility is tied to the individual citizen based on specific income criteria, not the vehicle. Therefore, most people renting a car should budget using the unsubsidised market prices.
Estimating Fuel Costs for a Long Trip
To put these prices into perspective, let's estimate the fuel cost for a round trip from Seremban to Penang, a journey of approximately 800 kilometres. Driving a fuel-efficient rental car like a Perodua Myvi (averaging around 18 km/l), you would need about 45 litres of petrol. At this week's unsubsidised RON95 price of RM3.62 per litre, the total fuel cost would be approximately RM162.90. This figure is an estimate and can vary based on the specific car model, traffic conditions, and your driving habits.
How Does This Affect Car Rental Customers?
When you rent a vehicle, you are responsible for the cost of fuel. Volatile weekly prices can make it challenging to budget accurately for a road trip. A practical way to manage this variable expense is to opt for a modern, fuel-efficient vehicle. At JRV Services, our fleet consists of new 2024-2026 models, which generally offer better fuel economy compared to older cars. This can directly translate to lower spending at the pump, especially on long-distance drives.
Unlimited Mileage: A Benefit Amidst Price Uncertainty
While fuel prices can fluctuate, one cost remains fixed when you rent from us: mileage. JRV Services provides unlimited mileage for all rentals used within Peninsular Malaysia. This means you can explore as far as you like without worrying about excess kilometre charges, giving you greater certainty over your total travel costs. Paired with our zero-deposit policy and free delivery within a 25km radius of Seremban, we aim to make your rental experience straightforward and predictable. For any assistance, our Malay-speaking team is available 24/7 on WhatsApp at +60 12-656 5477.
FAQ
Are fuel prices the same across all of Malaysia?
The retail prices for RON95, RON97, and diesel are standardised across Peninsular Malaysia. However, prices in East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak) and Labuan may differ due to different logistics costs and local subsidy structures.
As a renter, do I pay the subsidised or unsubsidised fuel price?
Eligibility for fuel subsidies is tied to individual Malaysian citizens who meet specific government criteria, not to the vehicle itself. Most renters, including tourists and those not meeting the criteria, should expect to pay the full unsubsidised market price.
Why do fuel prices in Malaysia change every week?
Malaysia uses an Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM) to set fuel prices. This formula calculates the retail price based on the average global price of refined petroleum products and the Ringgit-to-US Dollar exchange rate from the previous week.
Which petrol should I use for a rental car?
Most standard rental cars in Malaysia, such as those in the JRV fleet, are designed to run efficiently on RON95 petrol. It provides the best balance of performance and cost for everyday driving.