PUTRAJAYA: It is too early to consider increasing the petrol subsidy quota under the Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) programme from 200 litres to 300 litres, says Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.
Speaking at a briefing on the diesel subsidy on Monday (June 22), Amir Hamzah said it was premature to review such a proposal as the ceasefire progress in the Middle East remains recent and its longer-term impact has yet to be determined.
"It will take some time, so we need to wait and see whether it can be sustained and what the overall implications may be.
"What is important is that our efforts remain focused on protecting the people,” he said.
He added that under Budi95, the reduction in the quota from 300 litres to 200 litres has a manageable impact, with more than 80% of Malaysians remaining covered under the scheme.
Meanwhile, Amir Hamzah assured that efforts are being undertaken to strengthen and expand the country’s fuel supply.
“These efforts are progressing well, and the outlook is positive at present. There is no need for concern about fuel supply running out by August.
“The government maintains reserves of more than two months ahead, with a rolling forward mechanism in place.
“However, what is important is that we are diversifying oil sources to make fuel supply more stable and easier to secure,” he said.
