The government will strive to maintain fuel prices under the Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) petrol subsidy programme, set at RM1.99 per litre, to ease the public’s burden amid the impact of the ongoing West Asia conflict.
“The issue was raised whether we can sustain (RON95) prices. So far, we are working to maintain this RON95 price,” said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
He acknowledged that the government is facing financial pressure in sustaining the Budi95 price but stressed that it is important to continue the programme to reduce the people’s burden.
“So far, we feel that RON95 (subsidy), although it places some financial pressure on the government, is important for us to reduce the burden on the people,” Anwar told reporters after performing Friday prayers at Masjid Nurussaadah in Cheras Baru, Ampang, today.
Also present was Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Zulkifli Hasan.
Anwar further said that beyond the government, all parties share responsibility in safeguarding the country’s economy.
He added that the government will take measures that do not burden the people in facing the current difficult situation.
On the diesel issue, Anwar said the government will continue the diesel subsidy programme and look into methods to address groups affected by the current rise in diesel prices.
Retail diesel prices in Peninsular Malaysia have continued to climb despite a drop in global oil prices, reaching a new record high of RM6.72 per litre for the period from April 9 to April 15.
Adequate supply
In a statement, the Finance Ministry said the 70 sen increase was due to pump prices being determined based on the average petrol and diesel prices from the previous week, rather than current daily prices.
The ministry also announced that under the Automatic Pricing Mechanism, the retail price of RON97 petrol will increase by 40 sen to RM5.35 per litre, while the retail price of RON95 petrol will rise by 40 sen to RM4.27 per litre.
Putrajaya also maintained targeted fuel subsidies for the public and those in specific sectors, with RON95 priced at RM1.99 per litre under the Budi95 scheme and subsidised diesel at RM2.15 per litre for eligible users in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan.
In another matter, Anwar confirmed that six out of seven Malaysian vessels carrying crude oil supplies have passed through the Strait of Hormuz, while one vessel has suffered damage and is stranded at port.
He also reassured an adequate domestic oil supply for this month and next month.
However, the Prime Minister’s Office later corrected that only one vessel had transited through the strait, while the other six are waiting for their turn. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.