THE RETURN OF RON92?
EARLIER this week, Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations deputy president Yusof Abdul Rahman was quoted as saying that it was timely for the government to bring back RON92 as a way to offset the rising cost of living.
The report, published by an English daily quoted Yusof as saying that RON92 could be used for vehicles with lower engine capacity, belonging to the lower income group.
He added that the government should provide a subisidy on RON92 to help those in the B40 bracket, said the report.
However, others disagreed on this viewpoint.
“RON 92 is not a good fuel as it contains lead,” Malaysian Muslim Consumers’ Association (PPIM) lead activist Datuk Nadzim Johan said when contacted by Cars, Bikes and Trucks.
The move would not be good for the environment.
He added that it would be better to provide subsidies to those who needed it directly.
“We are more keen on giving subsidies to those who need it. For example, if you need a subsidy of RM200 per month, then you can apply for it,” he said.
The decision for the subsidy can depend on income level. For example, those with a salary of RM2,000 and below could be eligible, he said.
“As of now, everyone is getting the subsidy. Even multi-millionaires are getting it. There must be a mechanism to provide the subsidies to those who need them,” he added.
After weeks of surging prices, fuel prices have come down slightly.
For the period of Nov 23 to 29, RON95 petrol will be priced at RM2.30 per litre, an eight sen drop from the earlier week’s price of RM2.38.
RON97 will cost RM2.58 per litre, down eight sen from RM2.66.
Diesel, meanwhile, will see a two sen drop to RM2.23 per litre.
ANOTHER BLOW
FOR DIESEL CARS IN THE UK
Britain has given another blow to prospective oil burner drivers nationwide.
Reuters reported that Britain will increase taxes for diesel cars that don’t meet ‘stringent emssions standards”.
The report quoted finance minister Philip Hammond as saying:
“From April 2018, the first-year Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rate for diesel cars that don’t meet the latest standards will go up by one band”
Hammond said this during his annual budget statement.
British drivers pay a VED with a rate in the first year that depends on emission levels, and a flat rate after the first year.
The money would fund a £220-million Clean Air Fund, added Hammond.