BUDI95 Petrol Subsidy: Who Qualifies, How Much You Save, and How to Check

Under Malaysia's targeted fuel subsidy framework (BUDI MADANI / BUDI95), eligible Malaysian citizens can purchase RON95 petrol at a capped price of RM1.99 per litre at petrol pumps nationwide.

Rather than relying on income-tier cutoffs or bank transfers, verification happens instantly at the petrol pump using your MyKad or integrated e-wallet apps. However, understanding your quota balance, licence requirements, and how BUDI interact with diesel vehicles is critical to avoiding unexpected charges at market rates.

This guide breaks down eligibility criteria and details special edge cases (e-hailing drivers, company vehicles, and diesel owners).

Initially rolled out on 30th September 2025, the Malaysian government's BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) subsidy aims to ease the cost of living while curbing subsidy leakages. Under this scheme, the price of RON95 is fixed at RM1.99 per litre for the subsidised monthly quota, with any additional fuel purchased charged at floating market rates (~RM2.60/L). This marks a major transition away from blanket fuel subsidies toward a targeted, needs-based system.

BUDI MADANI Fuel Subsidy Framework at a Glance

How Budi95 works

Under the BUDI95 subsidy scheme, eligible Malaysians can purchase up to 200 litres of subsidised RON95 at RM1.99 per litre every month. If your quota is exhausted within the calendar month, subsequent fuel purchases switch to the floating market rate (currently hovering around ~RM2.60 per litre). Unused quota does not carry forward to the next month and resets on the 1st of every month.

Registered e-hailing and delivery drivers do not face the standard 200-litre cap; instead, they receive a higher distance-based tiered allowance of up to 800 litres per month based on verified commercial mileage.

Here is a comparison of 200 litres of monthly RON95 expenditure before BUDI95, under BUDI95, and at market rates:

As shown in the updated calculation above, fully utilizing your 200-litre monthly subsidy saves you RM1,464 per year compared to unsubsidised market pricing (and RM144 per year compared to the former blanket RM2.05 rate). That represents extra cash flow that can be redirected into your savings or long-term investments.  

Outstanding Summons Update

According to the Star, outstanding summons may lead to your Budi95 entitlement being withdrawn. To ensure you continue enjoying Budi95 benefits without interruption, be sure to settle any unpaid summons promptly. You can use the MyJPJ app, MyBayar PDRM and MyEG websites or visit a post office to pay off your outstanding summons.

Who Qualifies for the BUDI95 Subsidy?

Eligibility for BUDI95 is intentionally broad and does not apply a strict household income ceiling. You qualify automatically if you meet all three core requirements:

1. Citizenship: You must be a Malaysian citizen holding a valid MyKad with an operational microchip.
2. Age & Identification: Aged 16 years old and above.
3. Active Driving Licence: You must hold a valid, unexpired Competent Driving Licence (CDL), Probationary Driving Licence (PDL), or Learner Driving Licence (LDL) registered with the Road Transport Department (JPJ).

Important Driving Licence Expiry Rule (36-Month Cut-off):

• Expired up to 36 months: Your licence is still classified as "active" for BUDI95 eligibility, meaning you remain qualified for the subsidy while arranging to renew your licence. (Note: You cannot legally drive on public roads until renewed).
• Expired over 36 months: Your licence is considered revoked by JPJ. You will fail the online eligibility check and lose subsidy access until you retake the JPJ driving competency test and obtain a new valid licence.

How to check Budi95 eligibility

Unfortunately, not everyone is eligible for the subsidy. Here are the steps you can follow to check your eligibility via the Budi Madani website. Do note that there is no English version as of writing:

Step 1: Visit the Budi Madani website

Visit the Budi Madani website and select layari laman untuk semakan kelayakan under the Budi Madani RON95 tab. You will be taken to the next page.

Step 2: Click check individual eligibility

On this page, click Semak Kelayakan Individu to proceed.

Step 3: Input your IC number

Here, input your IC number without spaces and complete the captcha verification if necessary. Then you can click Semak Kelayakan to view your results.

Step 4: Success!

If you are eligible, you will see the page below.

How to redeem Budi95

Depending on how you decide to pay, the process of redeeming Budi95 is different.

By card at the pump

1. Enter the amount and tap your card at the terminal.
2. Insert your MyKad and check your eligibility.
3. Start fueling!

By cash at the counter

1. Insert your MyKad and check your eligibility.
2. State the amount, pump number and pay.
3. Start fueling!

By Touch 'n Go eWallet

If you are paying by Touch 'n Go, open your TNG app and find the Budi95 service. It should appear under Recommended. If not, edit My Favourites and add Budi95.

Select Buy fuel when you are at a petrol station and a QR code will appear. Let the cashier scan your QR code and you can start refueling! 

On the Touch 'n Go app, you will also be able to see your:

• Eligibility,
• Budi95 balance,
• Budi95 and unsubsidised RON 95 price,
• And your purchase history.

If you have exceeded your 200 litre quota or do not qualify for Budi95, you can refuel as normal. You will be automatically charged the market price.

By petrol station app

If you are using the a petrol station app, the process is similar to using Touch 'n Go. We will use the Setel app for this example.

Open the Setel app and find the RON95 @ RM1.99 service.

You will be taken to the following page. Here, you can check your eligibility and the price for subsidised and unsubsidised RON 95. To check eligibility, ensure you have a verified account.

If you are verified, you will see the following page.

Once you are eligible, head to a Petronas petrol station and go through the following steps.

1. Tap purchase fuel.
2. Select the pump, pump amount (by RM or litre) and ensure Budi95 is turned on. Tap pay.
3. Start refueling! Your total usage will be displayed.

How Much Do You Actually Save? (Worked Ringgit Calculations)

 The subsidised price of RM1.99/L represents a substantial saving of roughly RM1.78 per litre compared to the floating market price (~RM3.77/L). Over a full monthly allocation of 200 litres, this saves eligible drivers approximately RM356 per month (or over RM4,270 per year) compared to unsubsidised market rates.  

1. Monthly & Annual Savings Table (Based on Usage)

What Happens When You Exceed Your Monthly 200L Quota?

 Once you reach your 200-litre allowance within a calendar month, the fuel pump system automatically switches pricing for any subsequent litres to the prevailing unsubsidised market rate. Your 200-litre quota resets automatically on the 1st of every month (unused quota does not roll over).  

Where to redeem Budi95

As of writing, there are 10 Budi95 partner petrol stations where subsidied RON 95 can be redeemed: 

• BPH
• Buraqoil
• Caltex
• Five Petroleum
• Petron
• Petronas
• Petros
• Shell
• Xcel
• Smart Stream

Special Cases & Exclusions

1. Non-Citizens & Foreign Vehicles

Non-Malaysian citizens and foreign-registered vehicles are strictly prohibited from purchasing subsidised RON95 or diesel. Non-citizens driving Malaysian-registered vehicles must purchase fuel at the unsubsidised market rate.

2. Full-Time E-Hailing Drivers (Grab, Indrive, etc.)

Verified full-time e-hailing drivers are eligible for an extended monthly RON95 quota (up to 800 litres per month) to accommodate heavy commercial mileage. Verification is synchronized directly through APAD and e-hailing operator registration databases.

3. Company-Registered Vehicles

Vehicles owned and registered under corporate business entities (Sdn Bhd / Bhd) do not qualify for BUDI95 personal subsidies. Commercial fleets must utilize fleet cards under the Subsidized Diesel Control System (SKDS) or commercial fuel mechanisms.

4. What About Diesel Vehicle Owners? (BUDI MADANI Diesel)

If you own a private diesel vehicle (e.g., pickup truck or SUV), diesel subsidies are delivered under BUDI MADANI Diesel at a capped price of RM2.10 per litre nationwide.

Private diesel owners share a unified 200-litre monthly fuel quota (combinable across petrol and diesel), accessible directly at the pump using MyKad or e-wallets like Touch 'n Go eWallet, Setel, or the Shell App. Owners of registered pickup trucks or Jeeps used for small business, agriculture, or rural travel can apply via the BUDI MADANI portal for an additional 100-litre monthly allowance (total 300 litres).

How this affects non-Malaysians

Foreign nationals driving a Malaysia-registered vehicle are permitted to purchase RON95 petrol. However, because they do not hold a MyKad, they do not qualify for the BUDI95 subsidised price (RM1.99/L) and will be charged the prevailing unsubsidised floating market rate (~RM3.77/L) at the pump.

Foreign-Registered Vehicles (Singapore or Thailand Plates): Under Regulation 12A of the Control of Supplies Regulations 1974, foreign-registered vehicles are strictly prohibited from purchasing RON95 petrol in Malaysia at any price—even if the driver holds a valid Malaysian IC or citizenship. Drivers of foreign-registered vehicles must fill up with RON97 or other unsubsidised high-performance fuels. Both petrol station operators and drivers of foreign-registered vehicles attempting to pump RON95 face severe legal penalties under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.

Overall, BUDI MADANI represents a major shift in how Malaysia manages national fuel subsidies—focusing on targeted financial relief for citizens while preventing cross-border leakages. Malaysian drivers and verified e-hailing workers gain substantial cost savings at capped rates (RM1.99/L for RON95 and RM2.10/L for Diesel), while non-citizens pay floating market rates, and foreign vehicles are restricted to non-subsidised fuels like RON97. By balancing affordability with strict fiscal control, the scheme ensures sustainable long-term support for household budgets.