Bracing for pump price pain

PETALING JAYA: With little known about the impending increase in the price of RON95 fuel, motorists are already looking at alternatives such as using public transport or even turning to motorcycles.

Senior manager Rishen Sevarajah, 40, said he will switch to public transport to get to his workplace if the petrol price is increased due to subsidy revision.

“I will definitely drive less, maybe only during weekends,” said Rishen, who spends RM150 a month on fuel.

He described public transport as a viable alternative compared to buying an electric vehicle, which he said is still too expensive.

Service engineer Michael Hor, 24, said he started using a motorcycle from last year to reduce fuel consumption.

“My workplace is quite close to where I live, so using a motorcycle is much cheaper than a car,” he said.

However, Hor may have to buy a car in the future because his motorcycle has limited space to carry items.

“I could consider a hybrid car then. At the moment, it is still too expensive for me,” he said.

Lecturer Ruth Sim, 30, said she will continue driving as switching to public transport is too time-­consuming and inconvenient.

READ MORE: Be careful with RON95 revision, urge groups

She estimates that her fuel expenses could increase by RM40 when the subsidies are revised.

“It will be an additional expense but a necessary one,” she added.

Arman Imran Ashok, 30, head of psychology at UCSI University, hopes that the rise in petrol prices will only impact higher income earners as promised by the government.

He said the price hike will present a challenge and burden for many, given the current average salary range.

For his own expenditure, he said he will not need to adjust much as he frequently used public transport.

IT project manager Keith Liew, 34, plans to cut down on unnecessary trips, use carpooling and revert to shorter routes to save on fuel.

However, he said he will probably still drive to work and to run errands, and only consider carpool for social outings.

The Star reported on Wednesday that the government’s plan to restructure RON95 fuel subsidies was on course for implementation by mid-year.

Consumer groups have urged the government to defer the move due to rising costs and economic uncertainties tied to the United States’ new trade policies.

Government insiders said things are going to plan with officials working on the final mechanism on ways to redistribute fuel subsidies to targeted households.

Last week, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the government expects to implement the targeted subsidy for RON95 petrol by mid-year and that it is in the final phases of drafting a fair and effective targeting system.

Currently, the subsidised price for RON95 per litre is RM2.05.

Some reports have stated that once petrol rates are floated, the price may rise to between RM2.80 and RM3 per litre.