PETROL stations along highways and main roads are running low on fuel as tankers are unable to reach these stations due to severe traffic congestion from the Hari Raya rush, the Petrol Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM) said.

Its president Khairul Anwar Abdul Aziz said petrol stations are receiving a rationed amount of fuel to allow for enough to go around for other stations facing a similar situation.

“The sale is too high and the jam is too much,” Khairul told The Malaysian Insight.

“(For) the tankers to reach stations, they will have delays with coming and going (from station to station).

“(Also), instead of sending a lot to one station, they (tankers) have to ration as many petrol stations are facing shortage.”

It was not only petrol stations along the highways that were out of fuel, but also those on main roads, he said.

“The petrol stations running out of fuel are not necessarily on highways, but also along the main roads. Like those heading to the east coast, to Kelantan.”

Khairul said usually for the Hari Raya period, sales at petrol stations are up by 20%, but this time around, it was up by 40%.

“This Raya is different from others, it was a surprise. The sale has been crazy. Usually it is 20% up from normal days, this time it is 40% up.”

Khairul, however, expects the shortage to be temporary and that the situation will be resolved once the “balik kampung” rush ends.

“Logically, (the shortage would be) up till Sunday. Once everybody comes back (supply will be back to normal).”

Hari Raya this year fell on Monday, May 2, instead of Tuesday, May 3. The surprise announcement led to hours-long congestion across Malaysia as many rushed to get back to their hometowns.

On social media, road users complained that petrol stations were running out of or were low on fuel supply due to high demand. – May 7, 2022.