KUALA LUMPUR, 8 July 2017:
Fuel station operators have been warned against closing their operations earlier on Wednesday night to make a quick profit following the announcement of an increase in the retail price of petrol and diesel, or risk facing stern action under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin said the ministry had received complaints certain operators had resorted to this tactic and that investigation on the matter was underway.
“This is an offence…it is the same as hiding controlled items.”
Several news portals reported that fuel stations were found to have deliberately closed their operations earlier on Wednesday night compared to normal days with the excuse that they were ‘out of petrol’.
The move was said to be linked to the announcement of an increase in RON95 and RON97 petrol prices by four sen, while diesel higher by seven sen, effective 12.01am Thursday.
Meanwhile, Sabah Assistant Finance Minister Datuk Ramlee Marahaban said the current weekly petrol and diesel pricing according to a managed float system is the best method – despite the suggestion of a daily fuel pricing.
He said people still enjoyed benefits through the current weekly fuel price mechanism because the fuel prices were still reasonable and under control.
“According to the current float method where the world oil prices are very practical, if the oil prices fall so our oil prices will also fall. This will give relief to the consumers especially those who are less fortunate.”
– Bernama