PETALING JAYA: The shortage of petrol is likely due to refilling issues caused by massive jams on the highway, says the Malaysian Petrol Dealers Association.
"The issue isn't that there isn't enough petrol in the country because there is enough but it's getting it from the depot to the stations along the highways that's the problem.
"A variety of factors are affecting this, with the large amount of fuel purchased during the Raya holidays being the main one.
"You can see the horrible traffic jams and everybody is travelling. That shows you that sales would be extraordinary and because of that the stations are drying up faster but there are issues getting refills on time," said association president Datuk Khairul Annuar Abdul Aziz.
As of now, the shortages are mainly at pumps along highways, he said, with those in cities and townships still operating normally.
He added that the situation is expected to normalise by tomorrow.
A shortage of petrol along major highways has brought frustration and anger among road users returning from the Raya break.
Many took to social media to vent their frustration after finding that many petrol stations had run out of RON95 petrol, with only the pricier RON97 available.
The price of RON95 petrol from May 5-11 is RM2.05 per litre and RM3.94 per litre for RON97.
Adding fuel to the fire was a shortage of cash at ATMs.
One irate Twitter user, Shasya Edora asked: "What is happening? No fuel at the east coast region from Besut to Kuantan. Many cars are parked at the sides (of the road).
"Before going back from Shah Alam to Kemaman, was trying to fill the car. Surprisingly, RON95 out of stock, first time it happened," she tweeted.
Another Twitter user, @winn3risg, said there has been a major petrol shortage since yesterday in Penang.
"It's madness this year, major gridlock. No fuel. When want to return home suddenly, car has a problem," tweeted @izzatyysahkrii.
Heavy traffic has been reported on several major highways heading towards Klang Valley as people return home after the holiday season.
