Budi95’s monthly limit: How far can 200 litres take you?

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 — With the government reducing the monthly Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) eligibility limit from 300 litres to 200 litres, starting April 1, 2026, many are wondering whether 200 litres is enough for a month. To answer that question, one must consider factors like the type of vehicle, distance travelled, and usage frequency.

For a short daily commute, 200 litres could very well suffice, while a vehicle with extensive road usage may deplete the allotment faster. Government data reveals that around 90% of eligible Budi95 users consume less than 200 litres a month. Finance Minister Amir Hamzah Azizan noted that only fewer than 1% of Budi95 users consistently consume more than 200 litres per month.

The government's subsidy for eligible users covers RM1.78 per litre, while the unsubsidised price for August 20 to 26 was RM3.77 per litre. Different types of cars vary in fuel efficiency, which significantly impacts how far 200 litres can take a person. For instance, published fuel-efficiency figures are based on standardised testing and don't necessarily represent Malaysian traffic conditions.

Assuming a conservative 10km per litre for city driving, 200 litres would cover approximately 2,000km. If someone commutes 22 working days a month, with a route distance of about 23km each way, they would theoretically use more than 200 litres in a month, excluding other trips. In the case of e-hailing drivers, the government has introduced a tiered system, providing up to 600 litres for those who travel between 2,000 to 5,000km per month, and up to 800 litres for those clocking in more than 5,000km.

The reduced Budi95 limit aims to balance affordability and fiscal responsibility, as providing subsidised petrol to everyone comes with a significant financial commitment.