Fuel prices in Malaysia have surged sharply for the second consecutive week. This increase is driven by the conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted global energy markets.

The Malaysian government has adjusted domestic prices to align with international market conditions that are currently volatile due to the conflict between the United States and Iran.

According to Malay Mail on Thursday (March 19, 2026), from today until March 25, the price of RON 97 gasoline has risen significantly by 70 sen to RM 4.55 per liter. Meanwhile, diesel prices in Peninsular Malaysia have increased by 80 sen, reaching a new record of RM 4.72 per liter.

This follows a similar spike on March 12, when the Iran conflict began pushing global energy prices higher. At that time, diesel rose by 80 sen and RON 97 increased by 60 sen.

Over the past two weeks, diesel prices in Peninsular Malaysia have risen by a total of RM 1.60 per liter, reflecting significant pressure from the energy crisis and unprecedented market volatility.

Government maintains subsidies to cushion the impact

Despite the sharp increase in non-subsidized fuel prices, the Malaysian government has ensured that public protection measures remain in place.

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) confirmed that the subsidized BUDI95 gasoline price remains unchanged at RM 1.99 per liter. Meanwhile, the non-subsidized RON 95 price also remains stable at RM 3.27 per liter during this period.

Additionally, diesel prices in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan are maintained at the regional ceiling of RM 2.15 per liter to ensure price stability in those areas.

The government stated that this policy aims to gradually adjust market prices while maintaining public purchasing power, particularly for low- and middle-income groups.

By maintaining the BUDI95 price, the government seeks to prevent a rise in the cost of living amid global oil supply uncertainty.

The Ministry of Finance also emphasized that it will continue monitoring international market developments and make periodic adjustments.

This measure is considered essential to maintaining national economic stability while safeguarding public welfare amid a worsening global energy crisis.

Vietnam fuel prices reach highest level since 2022 due to Iran conflict

Previously, fuel prices in Vietnam surged sharply on March 7, 2026, as tensions escalated between the United States, Israel, and Iran, shaking global energy markets.

This increase pushed Vietnam’s fuel prices back to their highest level since 2022, when the world faced a post-pandemic price surge.

According to VnExpress on Tuesday (March 17, 2026), the most common gasoline type, RON 95-III, rose by about 21% or VND 4,700 to VND 27,040 per liter. Meanwhile, E5 RON 92 increased by 17.6% to VND 25,220 per liter.

Diesel prices also surged, surpassing VND 30,000 per liter for the first time since June 2022, while kerosene recorded the highest increase.

This spike was driven by major disruptions in global energy supply, including the near halt of key global oil shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Vietnamese government accelerated price adjustments outside the normal schedule after implementing a new policy that allows immediate changes when significant fluctuations occur in global markets.

Middle East conflict disrupts global energy supply

The surge in fuel prices is closely linked to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted energy infrastructure and oil distribution routes.

Military attacks that began in late February triggered a series of retaliatory actions in the Persian Gulf region, including drone strikes that forced the closure of several key energy facilities.

Some of the major impacts include:

• Qatar halting liquefied natural gas production

• Israel shutting down major gas fields

• Saudi Arabia’s largest oil refinery being affected

In addition, shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about 20% of the world’s oil supply, has nearly come to a standstill.

Hundreds of vessels have reportedly been stranded in the area, further worsening global energy distribution disruptions.

As a result, global oil prices surged sharply in a short period, directly impacting fuel prices in various countries, including Vietnam.