Malaysia to restrict fuel sales to foreigners
Updated
In a move that could anger its neighbours, Malaysia says it will restrict sales of petrol and diesel to foreign motorists to prevent abuse of fuel subsidies.
The domestic trade minister, Shahrir Samad, says some 300 filling stations in towns bordering Singapore and Thailand will be barred from selling fuel to non-Malaysian-registered vehicles from May 31.
Hundreds of Thai and Singaporean motorists cross into Malaysia daily to seek cheaper diesel and petrol.
Malaysia, a non-OPEC oil producer, has some of Asia's lowest diesel and petrol prices due to high government subsidies.
Malaysia says its subsidy bill could hit a record $US15.5 billion this year as crude oil prices reach record highs.
