Why Your Petrol Pump Looks Like It’s Lying To You Under Budi95

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Malaysia’s new Budi95 system wasn’t designed to confuse anyone — yet it’s left many drivers puzzled. Many drivers have been startled by the petrol pump display showing a higher total than what they actually paid. Some even stopped refuelling too early, while others ended up with overflowing tanks.

Here’s why this happens, and what you can do to avoid wasting money or petrol.

Why Budi95 Works Differently

The Budi95 programme is part of a systemic reform to plug years of fuel subsidy leakages. Instead of identifying vehicles at the pump, the system identifies people through their MyKad and driving licence verification, linking eligibility directly to each user.

So when you refuel with RON95, the system cross-checks your identity, applies your subsidy automatically, and you pay RM1.99 per litre instead of the unsubsidised RM2.60 per litre.

But the petrol pump itself doesn’t know that.

Why the Pump Shows the Wrong Price

All petrol pumps in Malaysia still display the unsubsidised price of RM2.60 per litre because they’re mechanically programmed that way. Even after your MyKad or eWallet verifies your eligibility, the meter doesn’t visually change to the subsidised rate.

So, for example, if you preset RM50 for RON95, your pump will display RM65.30 — but you’re still being charged the subsidised amount of RM50 (RM1.99/litre). The difference will be reflected in your final receipt or app transaction history.

The Overflow Problem: Why It Happens

Some drivers prefer setting a fixed amount — say RM50 — and expect the pump to stop when that amount is reached. But under Budi95, the display still counts using the unsubsidised price. So when you preset RM50, the system calculates it as RM50 ÷ RM2.60 = 19.23 litres, even though your actual subsidised rate means you’ll get closer to 25 litres.

That extra 6 litres is where trouble begins. Your tank may already be full before the pump automatically stops, causing an overflow if you’re not paying attention.

The Early Stop Problem: The Opposite Mistake

On the flip side, some drivers panic when they see the display quickly climbing past their intended spending limit and they stop refuelling too early. For instance, you might preset RM50, and when the screen hits RM50 (unsubsidised rate), you think you’re done — but in reality, you’ve only pumped around RM38 worth of subsidised petrol. You end up shortchanging yourself.

What Drivers Should Do Instead

✅ Let the nozzle stop automatically.

Don’t rely on the display total — the system deducts based on actual litres, not what’s shown on screen. Allow the automatic cutoff to activate once your tank is full.

✅ Check your receipt or app transaction.

Your receipt (or eWallet app like Setel or Touch ‘n Go) will clearly show three values:

✅ File a refund claim if you were charged incorrectly.

If you didn’t get the RM1.99/litre rate due to a system error, you can file a claim with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) starting 9 October 2025.

✅ Fix eligibility issues.

If your subsidy isn’t reflected properly, visit JPJ or JPN to verify your MyKad and driver’s licence details.

A Learning Curve for a Long-Term Reform

The confusion doesn’t mean the system’s broken — it’s simply new. The Budi95 programme represents Malaysia’s first major step away from blanket subsidies, focusing instead on targeted assistance that ensures subsidies reach the right people.

But until petrol pumps are updated to display both the unsubsidised and subsidised amounts, drivers will need to adjust with a little more patience, and a lot less panic at the pump.

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