AUDIO designer Mustazza Abu Hapaz is looking forward to the discounts that will be pumped out by oil companies with the introduction of the weekly fuel-pricing mechanism announced last week.

While the Puchong native has always remained loyal to Shell, his preferred brand of fuel, he admits that he is ready and willing to switch brands if the companies offered a discount of more than 20 sen a litre.

“I’m using Shell because it is convenient… the station is in my neighbourhood. I will not change brands unless the others are offering better discounts,” he said.

Mustazza is one of the many motorists who have welcomed the announcement by the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs Ministry that petrol station dealers will soon be able to offer discounts on fuel prices, subject to prior approval from the ministry.

It said last week new fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday and take effect the next day. The new mechanism, which came into effect on March 29, would allow better pricing on fuel, compared with the monthly rates.

The new rates for the first week were RON95 (RM2.13), RON97 (RM2.41) and diesel (RM2.11). The March rates were RON 95 (RM2.30), RON97 (RM2.60) and diesel (RM2.20).

Despite promises that the new system would benefit motorists, Mustazza said he was not keen on the weekly fuel pricing as it affected his budget.

“I spend about RM200 a month on petrol and with this weekly system, I can’t really gauge how much to put aside. It easier to budget with the monthly system in place.”

Public relations consultant Anne Das, 39, who also prefers Shell, said she would have no qualms about switching brands if other oil companies offered a higher discount.

“It all depends on the discounts. If a company if giving a better deal, then I will change brands,” she said.

She said oil and gas companies should already be announcing their discounts, to create market share and “show the public that they are being taken care of”.

“I travel weekly from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh and the change in fuel pricing will affect my budget,” said Anne, who spends RM150 a week on fuel.

“However, I still feel it’s too early to tell if this move is a good one or not.”

For businessman Raja Zafri Raja Zain, the most important thing for middle-class Malaysians was being able to save as much as they could on something as important as fuel.

Brand loyalty would have to take second place during economically trying times like now, he said.

“The companies should already be looking into churning out the discount. They do not need incentives from the government to help them kick-start it,” he said.

Raja Zafri, 40, who spends RM100 on fuel weekly, said petrol prices were still too expensive compared with the standard of living and poor economy.

“Our fuel prices should be cheaper.

“As a middle-class Malaysian, saving money at the end of the month is what counts.” – April 5, 2017.