The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has announced a temporary increase in monthly cash assistance under the BUDI Diesel and BUDI Diesel Agri-Komoditi schemes. Eligible recipients will see their aid bumped from RM200 to RM300 for March 2026, with the additional RM100 payment starting from 17 March 2026.
This interim measure follows a spike in global crude oil prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Consequently, retail fuel prices for the period 12 to 18 March 2026 have been adjusted as follows:
- Non-subsidised RON95 petrol: RM3.27/litre ( + RM0.60 )
- RON97 petrol: RM3.85/litre ( + RM0.60 )
- Diesel: (Peninsular Malaysia): RM3.92/litre ( + RM0.80 )
Despite the market surge, the government will continue to shield the public through targeted subsidies. Under the BUDI95 initiative, the price of RON95 for eligible citizens remains capped at RM1.99/litre.
Furthermore, subsidised diesel rates for the public transport and goods sectors in Peninsular Malaysia are maintained at RM1.88/litre and RM2.15/litre, respectively. In Sabah and Sarawak, the retail price of diesel remains unchanged at RM2.15/litre.
The MOF noted that these adjustments were necessary after Brent crude oil prices hit a peak of USD119 (approx. RM467) per barrel on 9 March 2026. While prices have since fluctuated around the USD90 (approx. RM353) mark, the government remains committed to balancing public protection with fiscal responsibility during this period of market uncertainty.
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