KUALA LUMPUR: The pump prices of RON95 and RON97 fuel have increased by 10 sen and 20 sen respectively. RON95 is now RM2.15 per litre and RON97 has been fixed at RM2.55.
The heartening news is that the price of diesel remains at RM2.05 a litre. This will at least help ensure no hike in costs in the transport sector.
Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hasan Malek confirmed these when contacted by The Star last night.
The price increase took effect at midnight. Earlier, the minister said no formal announcement would be made on the fuel price revision at the end of every month.
“Motorists will only know if the prices are going up or down or maintained at midnight,” he told reporters after attending an Umno Youth GST Open Day briefing.
He added that petrol station operators would also be informed of the changes at midnight.
Last month, the announcement on fuel prices was made through the ministry’s website.
The ministry decided to set the prices of petrol and diesel on a managed float from Dec 1 last year.
On a separate matter, Hasan said fixed ceiling prices for controlled items during the Hari Raya festivities would be announced on Friday.
In an immediate reaction, industry players said they supported the Government’s move not to announce the new monthly petrol and diesel prices in advance.
“The move can prevent motorists from rushing to stations to buy fuel when the price increase is announced too early,” said Petrol Dealers Association of Malaysia president Datuk Hashim Othman.
