KUALA LUMPUR: THE Petroleum Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM) has cautioned consumers to brace for diesel supply shortages from next week.
The warning came on the heels of Petronas Dagangan Bhd's recent disclosure that some of its stations could face diesel shortages until Sunday.
PDAM president Datuk Khairul Annuar Abdul Aziz said following Petronas Dagangan's recent disclosure of diesel supply challenges, the industry should brace for a broader shortage with more petroleum companies expected to grapple with similar problems.
Khairul said the issue stemmed from heightened demand as the government's subsidised diesel quota to petroleum companies had been exhausted.
"The popularity of low diesel prices has led to a surge in users, creating a strain on the available supply. It is very unusual for the government's diesel quota nationwide to stock out.
"I would warn other companies of a potential industry-wide concern, as we predict that similar supply challenges may afflict more petroleum companies starting early January," he said.
Petronas Dagangan announced on Tuesday that it was facing a diesel supply issue, affecting some of its stations nationwide.
The supply problems, said the company, was expected to continue until Sunday.
This was announced by the company in a statement on its website dated Dec 26.
"Petronas Dagangan Bhd would like to inform that several Petronas stations nationwide are currently facing a diesel stock out and this issue is expected to persist until Dec 31, 2023," it said.
"We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and wish to assure our customers that we are actively working with the relevant authorities and stakeholders to minimise the disruption."
The company, however, did not elaborate on the extent of the supply issue and how many stations were affected.
The announcement had sparked concern among consumers over a possible diesel shortage.
Government data showed that diesel use had jumped 37.7 per cent at 6.1 billion litres in 2019 to 8.4 billion litres last year.
The number of registered vehicles that use only diesel numbered 2.13 million up to last year.
The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry said it was taking immediate action to address the shortage.
Its minister, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, said the ministry was in communication with Petronas and expects to resolve the issue within 24 to 48 hours.
"Supply issues with Petronas have been successfully resolved. Petronas is actively ensuring additional supply within the next 24 to 48 hours.
"The ministry is in constant communication with Petronas, and I have personally spoken to their management," he said in a statement yesterday.
Armizan said the issues were resolved following a discussion involving his ministry, the Finance Ministry and Petronas.
"Petronas has been instructed to provide a list of petrol stations receiving additional supplies for comprehensive monitoring purposes.
"As we work to promptly resolve this issue and meet the needs of consumers in the affected areas, Petronas and the other companies involved have been asked to submit a comprehensive report along with detailed documents outlining the cause of the issue."