What changed at the pump this week?
The Finance Ministry (MOF) announced on 11 November that retail prices for RON97, unsubsidised RON95 and unsubsidised diesel will drop from 12 November to 18 November. The reduction follows lower regional refined fuel prices during the automatic pricing mechanism calculation period, in line with a drop in global crude oil prices and higher supplies of refined fuel in regional markets.
How much cheaper is each fuel per litre?
| Fuel | Previous price | New price (12-18 Nov) | Reduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| RON97 | RM4.70 | RM4.20 | 50 sen |
| Unsubsidised RON95 | RM4.27 | RM3.87 | 40 sen |
| Unsubsidised diesel | RM5.12 | RM4.87 | 25 sen |
RON97 has the largest cut in sen terms, but unsubsidised RON95 is the fuel most drivers will compare, since it is the grade most commonly used for everyday driving. Check which grade your vehicle is designed for before switching.
Do subsidised prices change for Budi95 and Budi Diesel buyers?
No. The MOF said subsidised RON95 stays at RM1.99 per litre under the Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) programme, and subsidised diesel stays at RM2.10 per litre under the Budi Madani Diesel (Budi Diesel) programme. The prices under the Subsidised Petrol Control System (SKPS) and Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS) also remain at RM2.05 and RM2.15 per litre.
The government says it will bear a subsidy of RM1.88 per litre for eligible Budi95 users, about 49% of the current unsubsidised RON95 price. For Budi Diesel, the subsidy is RM2.77 per litre, or 57% of the unsubsidised diesel price. Eligible Malaysians can continue to buy subsidised RON95 and diesel using their MyKad, subject to monthly eligibility limits.
What does this mean for your monthly fuel and transport costs?
For ordinary drivers, the change is simple arithmetic. Every 10 litres of unsubsidised RON95 costs RM4.00 less than the previous week’s price, because the 40 sen cut multiplied by 10 litres equals RM4.00. Every 10 litres of unsubsidised diesel costs RM2.50 less, and every 10 litres of RON97 costs RM5.00 less.
Those savings only apply for one week, from 12 to 18 November, according to the announcement. Use the 10-litre figures to estimate what your own refuelling this week will cost, then compare that with your usual monthly spending.
For households with an eligible vehicle, the bigger factor is the subsidised price. Buying at RM1.99 for RON95 under Budi95, rather than paying the unsubsidised price, makes a far larger difference to monthly costs than a single week’s reduction. If you commute daily, work out your monthly litres, then compare the subsidised and unsubsidised totals side by side.
What can you do this week?
- Check the new prices for 12 to 18 November and note which grade your car uses.
- Confirm whether you are eligible for Budi95 or Budi Diesel, and check your monthly limit before you fill up.
- Compare the unsubsidised and subsidised prices using the figures in this article, and calculate the cost of your typical monthly tank.
- Plan your refuelling around 18 November, when the announced period ends, and set aside a fuel budget based on current prices rather than last week’s.
Why could fuel prices still move?
The MOF was clear that the outlook remains uncertain. It said that as long as the conflict involving Iran remains unresolved, global petroleum prices will continue to be subject to significant volatility. It also pointed to the latest attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz as evidence that the risk of supply disruptions remains. Treat this week’s cut as a snapshot, not a guaranteed trend, and review your fuel budget each time new prices are announced.
Frequently asked questions
Is the RON97 and RON95 price cut permanent?
The announced reduction applies from 12 November to 18 November. The source article does not say what prices will apply after that period, so check the next official announcement before planning longer-term budgets.
Does the cut apply to subsidised Budi95 fuel?
No. The subsidised Budi95 price remains at RM1.99 per litre, and the Budi Diesel price remains at RM2.10 per litre. The cut applies to RON97, unsubsidised RON95 and unsubsidised diesel.
How do I know if I qualify for Budi95 or Budi Diesel?
The MOF says eligible Malaysians can use their MyKad to buy subsidised RON95 and diesel, subject to monthly eligibility limits. The article does not list the eligibility criteria or limits, so confirm your status through official government channels before you refuel.
This article is general information for Malaysian motorists, not financial advice. Fuel prices can change, so always check the latest official announcement.
Source: The Edge Malaysia
