Recently, the issue of RON95 petrol prices has returned to the people's attention as the global market is currently facing uncertainty due to ongoing conflicts in West Asia.
Most people have begun to voice concerns over the risk of oil prices rising again.
However, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that the government will strive to maintain the price of RON95 petrol at RM1.99 per liter for the sake of Malaysians.
Anwar also stated that the issue of rising global crude oil prices is expected to have an impact on the country following geopolitical tensions and restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz.
He also explained that the government is determined to defend the price of RON95 petrol, especially involving the Budi MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) programme.
According to Anwar, he realises that the global market situation is now difficult to fully control following the United States (US)'s attack on Iran, which has caused market sentiment to be more cautious.
At the same time, tensions in the Middle East have also affected the price of crude oil, the ringgit and international trade flows.
Currently, the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil is reported to have increased by 2.78% to $67.02 per barrel, while the price of Brent oil has increased by 2.87% to $72.87 per barrel.
Meanwhile, Rystad Energy expects the price of Brent crude oil to increase by $20 per barrel if tensions between the US-Israel and Iran do not subside.
The issue of rising oil prices has always been a hot topic among the people because it is seen as a factor that requires consumers to control their spending in line with the increasing cost of living.
Therefore, Malaysians now have high hopes that petrol prices can be maintained as promised, not just empty words.
