PDAM president Khairul Annuar Abdul Aziz told FMT there have been no reports of operators hoarding fuel or facing supply disruptions due to the Middle East war.

He said based on feedback from PDAM’s members, petrol stations are not closing due to shortages or fuel hoarding. Khairul added that operators are committed to keeping stations open.

“We have not received reports of any fuel shortages from operators,” he told FMT.

“They want their business to continue, so there is no reason for them to close their stations.

“Temporary closures at some petrol stations are likely due to routine maintenance on ageing underground pipes, not because of any fuel shortage or hoarding.”

Khairul also said operators would not risk closing their stations without valid reasons as they could have their licences revoked by the domestic trade and cost of living ministry.

He said there was a spike in demand on Tuesday night when motorists rushed to use their 300-litre quota before it was reduced to 200 litres on April 1, and a similar surge in demand was also recorded during the Hari Raya period.

“At the time, some stations were waiting for fuel tankers to replenish supplies,” he said, adding that the situation has since returned to normal.

He was responding to claims online that some petrol stations had shut temporarily due to fuel price hikes and shortages.

The US and Israel launched large-scale airstrikes against Iran on Feb 28, prompting retaliatory strikes by Iran on US bases and allied positions.

Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz following the strikes, choking a key energy passage and triggering an energy crisis that has led to inflationary fears across the globe.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has assured the public that the country has enough oil and gas until at least May.