PUTRAJAYA, April 1 -- Amidst a prolonged global energy crisis that has driven crude oil prices up by more than 40 per cent, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to shielding the public from the full impact of rising costs by maintaining subsidised fuel prices.

The Ministry of Finance, in a statement released today, highlighted that global Brent crude oil prices have surged past US$100 (approx. RM470) per barrel. More critically, prices for refined products have soared, with petrol hitting US$150 per barrel and diesel reaching US$250 per barrel, placing significant upward pressure on retail prices.

To mitigate this burden, the government has refrained from fully floating retail prices at the pump for three consecutive weeks follo...