KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 -- For the second consecutive week, fuel prices in Peninsular Malaysia have seen a massive spike as the government moves to align domestic rates with a global market rattled by the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East.

Effective from today until March 25, RON97 petrol will jump by a staggering 70 sen to RM4.55 per litre, while diesel in the Peninsula will surge by another 80 sen to a record RM4.72 per litre.

Despite the sharp increases in premium and commercial fuel, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) confirmed it will continue to shield the general public by maintaining the subsidised "BUDI95" petrol rate at RM1.99 per litre.

Unsubsidised RON95 will remain unchanged at RM3.27 per litre for this weekly cycle.

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