If you ride a motorcycle to the factory, you have noticed it this week: petrol went up again. But many people are not clear on one thing: the price you pay depends on who you are. Some people pay RM1.99 a litre, others pay RM4.57. This article explains the difference in plain language so you can work out your own monthly cost.
Information as of 30 Sep 2026. Unsubsidised pump prices are set weekly, so check the latest price before you plan your budget.
Fuel prices for 24–30 September 2026
According to Paultan (23 Sep 2026), the prices for 24–30 September are:
| Type | Price per litre | |---|---| | RON95 unsubsidised | RM4.57 (up 20 sen) | | RON97 unsubsidised | RM5.05 (up 20 sen) | | Diesel unsubsidised | RM5.42 (up 15 sen) | | RON95 BUDI95 (subsidised) | RM1.99 (unchanged) | | RON95 via the subsidy control system (SKPS) | RM2.05 |
A Petronas station in Pagoh, Johor. Photo: Wiki Farazi, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Why has it risen four weeks in a row?
Unsubsidised RON95 has been climbing over the past few weeks:
- 27 Aug–2 Sep: RM3.82 (Malay Mail, 3 Sep)
- 10–16 Sep: RM4.02
- 17–23 Sep: RM4.37, up 35 sen (Malay Mail, 16 Sep)
- 24–30 Sep: RM4.57
The Ministry of Finance (MOF) blamed tensions in West Asia. Brent crude rose above US$100 a barrel, close to US$110 during the calculation period, according to the same Malay Mail report.
Who gets RM1.99 and who pays RM4.57?
The MOF statement says the RM1.99 subsidised RON95 price is for "eligible Malaysian citizens". Paultan (30 Aug 2026) adds that BUDI95 requires a valid driving licence and Malaysian citizenship.
In practice:
- Sabah and Sarawak workers with a MyKad and a valid driving licence are Malaysian citizens, so you are eligible for BUDI95.
- Foreign workers: the rule MOF states is for Malaysian citizens. We did not find a more detailed official statement about foreign workers, so assume you pay the unsubsidised price and check at the pump or with your employer if in doubt.
How big is the gap in ringgit? A worked example
This is our own arithmetic, for illustration only, not an official figure.
- Using 20 litres a month: RM1.99 × 20 = RM39.80, versus RM4.57 × 20 = RM91.40. The difference is about RM51.60 a month.
- Average user: Malay Mail cites government data that average RON95 use is about 100 litres a month. At 100 litres, RM199 versus RM457 is a gap of RM258 a month.
A small motorcycle rarely uses 100 litres, so for many factory workers the cost is closer to the 20-litre example. Either way, anyone paying the full price feels every weekly rise.
A motorcycle parked on the porch of a rental house. Photo: Bilik Sewa Senai
About the 300-litre BUDI95 limit
The BUDI95 monthly limit went from 200 litres back to 300 litres on 1 September 2026. It is a restoration, because the limit had been cut to 200 litres in April (Paultan).
Remember, 300 litres is a ceiling, not free fuel. According to Malay Mail, 90 per cent of Malaysians use no more than 200 litres a month, so most people will not notice a difference.
Tips to save fuel when commuting
Whether you pay RM1.99 or RM4.57, these habits help:
- Fill up as needed. Don't wait until the tank is dry and the bike sputters, but don't panic-fill either. Prices change weekly, not daily.
- Keep your motorcycle serviced. Under-inflated tyres, a dry chain and a dirty spark plug can all raise fuel use.
- Share rides. If housemates work the same shift, take turns riding or driving. Read our guide: Commuting from Senai: bus, motorcycle, carpool.
- Choose a room close to work. A 3 km difference each way is 6 km a day, over 25 days a month. That is 150 km you can avoid.
- Use the factory bus if there is one. Ask HR whether the company provides transport.
- Put fuel in your monthly budget. See our estimated monthly cost of living for a factory worker in Senai.
The shop street near the rental house in Senai. Photo: Bilik Sewa Senai
A Petronas station in Parit Sulong, Johor. Photo: Wiki Farazi, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
How to build a simple fuel budget
Don't wait until the end of the month to be surprised. Try these steps:
- Write down how many litres you fill over two or three weeks, in a small notebook or a phone note. Then you know your real average instead of guessing.
- Multiply by the current price. If you pay the unsubsidised price, use this week's price (RM4.57 as of 30 Sep 2026). If you are eligible for BUDI95, use RM1.99.
- Leave room for increases. The unsubsidised price changes every week. If you pay the full price, keep a small cushion in your monthly budget so another rise does not hurt.
- Compare with other options. If fuel now costs nearly the same as a carpool share or the factory van, it may be better to change how you get to work.
Common mistakes
- Assuming everyone pays RM1.99. That price is for eligible BUDI95 users, not everyone.
- Thinking 300 litres is a "free entitlement". It is only a ceiling.
- Panic-filling when you hear prices will rise. Prices are set weekly, so one week's effect is smaller than people fear.
- Skipping motorcycle servicing. A small service can cost less than the fuel wasted.
What to ask your employer or landlord
- Does the company run a worker van or bus, and is there a salary deduction (if any)?
- Is there safe motorcycle parking at the rental house?
- Is there a travel or petrol allowance in your contract?
FAQ
What is RON95 this week? As of 30 Sep 2026, unsubsidised RON95 is RM4.57 a litre for 24–30 September. BUDI95 stays at RM1.99.
I am a foreign worker with a motorcycle. Can I get RM1.99? MOF says that price is for eligible Malaysian citizens. Assume foreign workers pay the unsubsidised price, and check at the station if unsure.
I am from Sabah with a MyKad and licence. What do I need to do? You are a Malaysian citizen. Make sure your driving licence is valid, since Paultan reports BUDI95 requires a valid licence.
Is the 300-litre quota free? No. It is the monthly ceiling for the RM1.99 price. You still pay for every litre.
When is the next price announced? Unsubsidised prices are set weekly. Check the latest announcement on news sites such as Paultan or Malay Mail.
Sumber / Sources
- Paultan, fuel prices 24–30 Sept 2026 (23 Sep 2026)
- Malay Mail, prices for 17–23 Sep 2026 (16 Sep 2026)
- Malay Mail, BUDI95 quota back to 300 litres (3 Sep 2026)
- Paultan, BUDI95 quota 300 litres from Sept 1 (30 Aug 2026)
- Ministry of Finance (MOF), BUDI95 press release (29 Sep 2025)
- Petrol station photos: Wiki Farazi, CC0, Wikimedia Commons (Pagoh, Parit Sulong)
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