‘Operators must keep petrol stations running like normal’

PUTRAJAYA: Amid the possibility of dry pumps at petrol stations on New Year, dealers are reminded to adhere to conditions stated on their licences, which include ensuring sufficient fuel supply at their premises for daily sales.

Dealers, according to the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry, are also not allowed to shut down their stations or halt sales without prior approval from the authorities.

The ministry issued this reminder after the Bumiputra Petrol Dealers Association said petrol and diesel supply at fuel stations were expected to dry up on Jan 1.

Association president Datuk Abu Samah Bachik was quoted by a Malay daily as saying that pumps were expected to be dry on Tuesday as operators refuse to top up their reserve at the end of this month.

This is because they do not want to restock on prices which would be higher at the end of December only to sell it for less from Jan 1 onwards.

Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Jamil Salleh said fuel was a controlled item and the government would ensure its supply in the market and for it to be easily available at all times.

“Failure to adhere to these conditions as stated in their licence is an offence. Legal action can be taken against errant operators,” he said, warning that operators who breached their licence conditions could be fined up to RM1mil or jailed up to three years.

“We will be monitoring petrol stations nationwide to ensure these premises operate as usual with sufficient supply.”

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng recently announced that a weekly float system would be used to determine RON95 fuel price from Jan 1 onwards due to the falling prices of crude oil, which would allow consumers to enjoy lower prices faster.

He said that if world crude oil prices rise, the government would cap fuel prices at RM2.20 per litre for RON95 and RM2.18 per litre for diesel, adding that the prices would remain capped until the targeted subsidy was put into place in 2019.