24 September 2008
Breaking News as of 5:05pm for all ye Malaysians…from Malaysiakini…
“The government will reduce petrol and diesel prices by 10 cents each to RM2.45 and 2.40 per litre with effect from tomorrow, according to Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Shahrir Samad.
The cut is the second in two months after hiking pump prices by as much as 78 cents in June. The hike had gone down badly with the public, sparking an outcry and even street protests.
Shahrir said the price of RON 97 will be cut by 10 cents to RM2.45 per litre, RON 92 to RM2.30 from RM2.40, while diesel would be reduced to RM2.40 per litre.”
Read More in Malaysiakini
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I was like HUH? 10 cents only? This is seriously pathetic!
For a car that pumps 40 litres each time would only save RM4.00 and this adds up to a saving of a mere RM20 if the car owner pumps 5 times a month.
I thought the crude prices had dropped below USD$100 per barrel lately, isn’t it? Why is our government taking their own sweet time to reduce the petrol prices in Malaysia?
Our dearest PM had previously said if world crude prices stabilised at US$109 per barrel, the government may consider another 15 cents reduction in price. WOW! Is our PM going to be that generous towards the rakyat?
I asked that question repeatedly with qualm. Or perhaps, the 10cents drop was another political move to avoid Anwar from taking over the government.
I am not an economist. Thus, I am not definite how much the petrol price should fair against the world crude prices. But the crude prices had dropped from USD$140 to below USD$100 and I expected our petrol prices to drop as well.
Image Source: Malaysiakini
Having said that, inflation has ensued, causing us to stretch every cent and ringgit. A glass of iced Milo in any coffee shops or mamak has already increased to RM1.80 to RM2.00. I would not see a reduction in food and beverage. Damage has already been done.
Don’t you think it’s too late to reduce the petrol prices (for cost of living to drop) after a RM0.78 hike (per litre) in June?
If only our dearest PM could open his ears widely to listen to the rakyat’s problems in tackling the inflation, maybe he would not reduce the insignificant amount but more.
But again, a reduction in 10cents is pathetic and laughable. Don’t you think so?
