Fuelling up: the new ‘obsession’ drawing Singaporeans to Malaysia’s Johor
Singapore-registered cars filling up with RON97 at a petrol station in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
Photo: The Star Singaporeans are not flocking to Malaysia’s Johor just for groceries these days – fuel is the “obsession” for the moment.
Petrol prices have spiked sharply in the city state due to the Middle East conflict, with RON95 at almost three times the price in Malaysia at S$3.41 (US$2.64) per litre.
Singapore vehicles are only allowed to pump the unsubsidised RON97 fuel in Malaysia, which is being retailed in Johor Bahru at 5.15 ringgit (US$1.27) per litre.
A Singaporean who wanted to be known only as Daryl said that since February, he has been travelling to Johor Bahru weekly not just to stock up on household items but also for RON97.
He said RON97 is still cheaper in the Malaysian city than RON92 in Singapore, which is being retailed at S$3.38 per litre. “But we have to be careful when doing this as under Singapore law, all exiting vehicles must have their tanks at least three-quarters full.
Officials regularly carry out inspections and those caught flouting the rule face a S$500 fine and will be ordered to turn back to fill their tanks,” he added.
Daryl said he hoped Malaysia would not impose restrictions on the amount of fuel foreign vehicle owners could buy.
Johor Indian Petty Traders and Small Business Association chairman D.
Ravindran said more Singaporeans are expected to shop and fill petrol in Johor Bahru under the existing circumstances. “With what is going on around the world now, we will definitely see more Singaporeans heading here to shop and most importantly to fill petrol,” he said. “I think petrol will be what they are coming here for now, as evident at our petrol stations.” Echoing the view was Johor Bahru Small Businesses Association chairman Tey Tian Hwang, who said the RON97 price difference is significant enough for Singaporeans to cross the Causeway just to pump petrol. “Johor is just next door, so it is not really a problem for them to drive over to pump petrol as a way of coping with the rising cost of living there,” he said.
Tey also did not dismiss the possibility of panic buying involving Singaporeans in Johor Bahru, citing the Covid-19 pandemic period. “It is likely for us to see that again, especially for basic daily essentials and ingredients.
We have yet to see panic buying happen, but there are already more Singaporeans crossing over,” he added.
Econsave cash and carry general manager Mas Imran Adam also said
原文链接: 南华早报