GEORGE TOWN: The sharp rise in diesel prices, now at RM6.02 per litre, is straining many logistics and haulier operators despite their eligibility for the subsidised rate of RM2.15.
Under the subsidised diesel control system (SKDS) scheme, eligible operators must first pay the full pump price before receiving the subsidy later.
For a container trailer consuming 3,000 to 5,000 litres monthly, this translates into an upfront fuel bill between RM18,000 and RM30,000 at current prices.
Association of Malaysian Hauliers secretary Mohd Azuan Masud said the arrangement is putting pressure on operators’ cash flow and fuel credit facilities.
He noted that the RM3.87 gap between the pump price and subsidised rate causes fleet card limits to be depleted faster, as oil companies calculate credit based on the full retail price.
On average, he said a container trailer travels 8,000km to 12,000km monthly, consuming about 3,000 to 5,000 litres of diesel.
“At RM6.02 per litre, monthly fuel costs per truck range from RM18,000 to RM30,000, making diesel one of the largest operating expenses.
“Congestion, idling and waiting time further increase consumption,” he said, adding that trucks typically have fuel tanks from 500 to 1,000 litres.
Beyond cash flow concerns, Azuan said operators also face administrative burdens in managing receipts, submissions and audits before subsidies are reimbursed.
“Any delay in reimbursement adds further strain, especially for smaller operators with limited financial buffers.
“The pressure is particularly severe for smaller companies, which may be forced to make early payments to sustain operations.
“Otherwise, fleet utilisation may drop, indirectly affecting drivers’ income,” he said.
He added that while hauliers are covered under the subsidy scheme, supporting service providers such as tyre suppliers and breakdown services are not, increasing overall operating costs.
Earlier, Malaysian Trucking Federation president Datuk Ng Koong Sinn said the “pay-first, rebate-later” mechanism, though aligned with the government’s targeted subsidy policy, does not reflect the financial realities faced by small and medium-sized operators.
He said many lack the liquidity to sustain such upfront payments.
For example, a fleet of 10 lorries, each consuming about 200 litres daily, would require RM11,040 a day (now over RM12,000) in fuel costs.
Diesel prices in Peninsular Malaysia rose from RM3.92 per litre on March 12 to RM6.02 on April 2.
With diesel fixed at RM2.15 under SKDS, operators can later claim the RM3.87 difference.
A total of 26 types of logistics vehicles, from prime movers, lorries, vans to food trucks, are eligible under the SKDS reimbursement scheme.
