While most of us will rejoice saving 5 sen per litre switching from RON97 to RON95, it is utterly demoralising and short-changing-the-consumers that the previously 'true' premium grade that the govt will ultimately subject to 'market float' pricing remains at RON 97 octane level. Come Sept 1, this grade will be RM2.00 per litre or higher...AND likely subject to world crude price fluctuation.
I have noted that in MTM online forum that the VW Golf GTI Mk5 (pre-May '09 batches) undeniably requires RON98. Do not forget about the scores of other high performance makes like the Civic Type-R, Evo X, Porsche Boxster/Cayman /911, Subaru Impreza WRX STI (needs RON100 actually!), Mitsubishi Colt Turbo, Toyota Caldina, Mazda RX-8, Merc AMG series, BMW M cars, Audi with TFSI engines, Nissan GT-R etc.
True, the numbers of these 'luxury' imported sport (or sportier) makes may be relatively negligible. My contention is that if the authority were to make these 'rich' owners pay more for high-grade premium petrol, wouldn't it be fairer to make an upgrade to truly premium grade of RON98 or even RON99?
Makes me wonder, is there any way that we can 'influence' and appeal to the policy makers? It may be late now, but perhaps it is possible to make a 2nd round change in the future, this time to the higher octane grade available at our fuel pumps, for which we are made to pay more for? As it is we have already paid through our noses for all the imports tariffs, APs and even excise duty in order to get this higher performance makes, be it official or parallel imports (CBU)!!!
Update: As of Sept.1 2009, RON95 petrol is priced higher than expected at RM1.80 per litre while RON97 suffered a 25 sen hike to RM2.05 per litre.
3 comments:
very true doc.for those who need ron>97 as well as for those who need ron<92, they are also short changed, like it or not.
but the masses would just pump ron 97 into their cars whenever they refill even if their cars only require ron 92.it's a step forward nonetheless.let's hope and see a cleaner and cheaper fuel (ron>97petrol and Euro 3-4 spec diesel)upgrade in the near future.
Thanks for your valuable comment. By any chance are you or were you related to the Lexus marque in Malaysia?
doc,no i am not and never was.wish i was tho.
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