Closing early: Errant petrol station operators to face action

Consumers have complained that several stations closed as early as 9pm on Wednesday night to adjust fuel prices based on the new increased rates.

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PETALING JAYA: Action will be taken against petrol station operators who close their outlets early on the eve of the fuel price hike announcement on Wednesday night, reported the New Straits Times.

“We have received reports from consumers and have started investigating the matter,” Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Hamzah Zainuddin said.

He was responding to complaints from consumers that several stations had closed ahead of time, as early as 9pm on Wednesday night, to adjust the fuel prices based on the new increased rates.

He said the ministry had started an investigation and errant petrol station operators would face stern action.

“Action will be taken against the parties involved under the Control of Supplies Act 1961, should they be found guilty of hoarding fuel,” Hamzah said during the opening of the World Food Expo at Lulu Hypermarket in Kuala Lumpur today.

Effective Thursday, retail fuel prices have increased by four sen per litre for petrol and seven sen per litre for diesel.

RON95 petrol is now priced at RM1.93 per litre, while RON97 petrol is at RM2.19. Diesel is priced at RM1.84 per litre.

Hamzah said ministry officials had also met up with the Petrol Dealers Association of Malaysia yesterday and they hoped to meet with the oil companies next week.

-FMT