⛽ Petrol Price in Malaysia vs Neighboring Countries — Full Analysis

By Sagar Thakur

Published on:

Petrol price in Malaysia vs neighboring countries comparison thumbnail showing fuel nozzle with Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Singapore price comparison

When people search for Petrol Price Comparison, they usually want to know one thing: Is Malaysia cheaper or more expensive than its neighbors? The answer is clear — Malaysia is among the cheapest in Southeast Asia, but not the absolute cheapest. The real picture depends on government subsidies, oil production, and taxation policies.

📊 Petrol Price Comparison Table (Approximate – per liter)

CountryPetrol Price (USD per liter)Local Currency Equivalent
Malaysia$0.50 – $0.55MYR 2.05 – 2.15
Singapore$2.10 – $2.30SGD 2.80 – 3.00
Thailand$1.30 – $1.45THB 43 – 48
Indonesia$0.70 – $0.80IDR 10,000 – 11,500
Brunei$0.55 – $0.60BND 0.75 – 0.80

Note: Prices change weekly due to global oil rates, subsidies, and government policies.

🇲🇾 Why Is Petrol So Cheap in Malaysia?

Malaysia consistently ranks low in regional fuel prices in this Petrol Price Comparison, and there are strong reasons behind it:

  1. Government Subsidies
    The Malaysian government provides fuel subsidies to keep petrol affordable for citizens. This directly lowers pump prices compared to market rates.
  2. Domestic Oil Production
    Malaysia is an oil-producing country, thanks to Petronas, which helps stabilize fuel costs.
  3. Price Control Mechanism
    The government frequently adjusts fuel prices to balance public affordability and economic stability.

Because of these factors, many drivers from neighboring countries, especially Thailand and Singapore, used to cross the border to refuel in Malaysia before stricter controls were introduced.


🇸🇬 Why Is Petrol So Expensive in Singapore?

In this Petrol Price Comparison, Singapore stands out as the most expensive country.

Key reasons:

  • Singapore imports almost all of its oil.
  • High government taxes on fuel to reduce traffic and pollution.
  • Strong environmental policies that discourage excessive car use.
  • Limited land space, leading to high operational costs for petrol stations.

For this reason, Singaporean drivers often feel a big difference when comparing fuel prices with Malaysia.


🇹🇭 Thailand — Mid-Range Fuel Prices

Thailand sits in the middle in this Petrol Price Comparison.

  • The government provides partial subsidies.
  • Fuel prices fluctuate with global oil markets.
  • Tourism demand also affects pricing in popular cities.

Thai drivers generally pay more than Malaysians but significantly less than Singaporeans.


🇮🇩 Indonesia — Affordable but Higher Than Malaysia

Indonesia is another major oil

, yet its petrol prices are slightly higher than Malaysia.

Reasons include:

  • Gradual reduction of fuel subsidies over the years.
  • Large population and high domestic demand.
  • Regional price variations between cities.

Still, Indonesia remains one of the more affordable countries in Southeast Asia for fuel.


🇧🇳 Brunei — Close to Malaysia

Brunei offers petrol prices very similar to Malaysia in this Petrol Price Comparison.

  • Small population
  • Strong oil economy
  • Heavy government subsidies

Many people are surprised to see that Brunei’s fuel prices are almost as low as Malaysia’s.

FAQ

Why is petrol cheaper in Malaysia than Singapore?

Because Malaysia provides heavy fuel subsidies and produces its own oil.

Is petrol cheaper in Brunei than Malaysia?

Prices are very similar, with Brunei sometimes slightly higher or lower.

Does Thailand have fuel subsidies?

Yes, but they are lower than Malaysia’s subsidies.

Will petrol prices increase in Malaysia?

They may change depending on global oil prices and government policies.

Which country is best for drivers in Southeast Asia?

Malaysia is the best in terms of fuel affordability.

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