PETALING JAYA: There is no unusual hoarding or panic buying of fuel at petrol stations nationwide, says the Petrol Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM).
While there has been a shift in demand recently, it said the rising demand is entirely seasonal and driven by the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive period.
“We have not observed any widespread stockpiling or unusual hoarding behaviour.
“While there is a shift in demand, it is primarily driven by the Hari Raya festive season, where we naturally see lower volume in urban centres and a significant increase at rural and highway stations,” PDAM said in an interview yesterday.
The association also assured the public that consumers are following their usual refuelling habits and that there is no “rushed” atmosphere at the forecourts.
On measures to prevent bulk buying or hoarding, PDAM said its dealers strictly adhere to long-standing guidelines set by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) to prevent leakage and ensure fair distribution.
Key measures include limiting diesel transactions to 250 litres per vehicle per day and ensuring that fuel is pumped directly into a vehicle’s tank.
“Container filling is strictly regulated. It is only allowed for genuine emergencies, is limited to 20 litres, and must be in certified safe containers,” it said.
PDAM assured consumers that the national supply chain remains stable and fully operational.
“While global geopolitical conflicts are always a concern for the energy sector, we have full confidence in the government’s existing mechanisms to secure energy continuity.
“We remain in close communication with both the oil companies and the government to ensure that any potential disruptions are mitigated long before they reach the consumer level,” it added.
Meanwhile, KPDN said only those holding special permits are allowed to purchase petrol or diesel in containers at petrol stations.
Ministry director-general (enforcement) Datuk Azman Adam said the regulation is spelt out under provisions to the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
The provision outlines that all petrol station operators are only allowed to sell diesel and all petrol grades for the purpose of refuelling the original fuel tank of the vehicle concerned or tanks approved by the relevant authorities.
It can also be sold to any party that has obtained a special permit from the ministry.
Azman said applications for the permit can only be done through a dedicated online system at https://spb.kpdn.gov.my
The public can report any suspicious activity related to fuel subsidies to the Budi Madani service centre by calling 1300-88-9595, sending a WhatsApp message to +603-26314595, or emailing budimadani@treasury.gov.my.
Earlier this week, a video depicting a woman filling up RON95 petrol into a container had gone viral, and shortly after, the Finance Ministry barred the woman from enjoying the Budi95 subsidy.
