Kiosk owners hit by fuel price rise

JOHOR BARU: Petrol station operators feel the recent petrol price increase has put a big burden on them.

Petroleum Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM) vice-president Abu Samah Bachik said the recent fuel price hike was pushing up their operation costs.

“Among our problems are having to fork out a bigger working capital to purchase fuel from petroleum companies,” he told The Star recently.

Abu said the Government’s decision to have a dual system for foreigners and locals would put more of his members out of business.

“Who is going to pay for the additional costs?

“I hope the Government had done a proper study on the matter before making the announcement,” he said.

Abu added that PDAM members were upset as recent instructions on petrol stations at the border had caused a lot of confusion.

“One time they (the Government) announced that we cannot sell to foreigners, and then said we can sell it to foreigners at RM2.70 per litre and now in the dual pump system,” he said.

Abu said if this continued, some petrol stations would have to close as they were unable to cope withrising operating costs.

In regard to the use of credit cards, Abu said all Petronas stations here were urged to continue allowing with customers to use the card following the minister’s assurance that the changes were being reviewed.

“We hope the Government will come up with a decision soon,” he said.

Petrol station owners are paying a 1% service charge for all purchases including fuel and other items at the petrol station.