Loke stressed that Malaysia’s overall fuel supply remains sufficient, attributing the recent disruption instead to logistical and distribution constraints
PUTRAJAYA: Reports of petrol stations running out of fuel in parts of the country are isolated incidents and do not signal a nationwide shortage, Transport Minister Anthony Loke clarified today.
Addressing growing public concern, Loke stressed that Malaysia’s overall fuel supply remains sufficient, attributing the recent disruption instead to logistical and distribution constraints at specific locations.
The Seremban MP explained that some petrol stations may have temporarily exhausted their stock due to delivery delays or distribution issues, compounded in certain cases by unusually high demand.
“I think those are isolated cases. It is not due to a lack of overall supply. This does not mean that Malaysia has run out of fuel,” he stated during a press conference here.
Loke added that the government has repeatedly provided assurances that national supply levels remain stable.
“As has been stated by the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim), our supply remains sufficient. There are certain stations where, at times, demand may be too high… and they are unable to be resupplied as quickly as possible,” he said.
While the situation is not systemic, Loke stated that oil companies and suppliers must address these bottlenecks under the oversight of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN).
KPDN has also launched an investigation into a viral incident involving fuel pumps that continued to record payments even after diesel supplies had been depleted.
Initial probes revealed that the petrol station involved was not equipped with an automatic cut-off system designed to stop the pump once the stock is exhausted.
On a separate matter, Loke acknowledged rising global volatility following the United States’ move to cordon off the Strait of Hormuz.
He warned that such developments could have broader implications for international energy markets and domestic pricing.
The Minister confirmed that the situation will be discussed at a meeting of the National Economic Action Council later today, where the National Security Council is expected to provide a briefing on the potential impacts on Malaysia’s energy security.
