Petrol Hike

Petrol Hike



Recently the Malaysian Govt has decided to increase the petrol prices suddenly from RM1.92 to RM2.70. This came as a rude shock to everyone. The day before the price increase, our dear PM just commented that ‘a new petrol subsidy scheme will be announced the next day. And that any changes in the petrol subsidy will definitely amount to a price increase.’ Naturally, upon hearing that comment reporters proceed to asking him whether there will be an immediate price increase. All our dear PM says is ‘maybe’. And with that, the next day rumors started to spread even before the clock strikes 5pm. Everybody speculated there will be a price increase and SMSes started flying around. Most petrol stations around the region were jammed pack with motorist queuing to get their last round of so called ‘cheap petrol’ before the price increase. Finally, around 6pm there was an announcement on the radio that informs the public on the price increase. Needless to say, ‘too little, too late’.

Being the typical ‘kiasu’ (scare to lose) Malaysian, I myself braved the crowd and join in with the rest of the rakyat in getting my share of ‘last chance for cheap petrol’. The atmosphere at the petrol station was definitely chaotic and everyone was somewhat frustrated- both at the traffic and in silent, the Govt. The time was about 9.30pm and everyone who was lining up for their turn at the kiosk started to get impatient. Inch by inch, I got nearer to the kiosk. 10pm. Still waiting my turn. By this time, people were starting to jump queue because they were afraid the clock would strike 12am before they get their turn. Imagine the chaos that went through the petrol stations. As I’m still waiting impatiently for my turn, I tried to keep my cool and turn on the radio to calm myself down. As I was doing that, I couldn’t help myself but observe the different attitudes of people who were pumping their share of petrol. It was somewhat hilarious and crazy at the same time.
These were some characteristics which I had observe, which were quite a character. Pun intended. Lol.

Mr. Save every last drop
This is the guy who pump his petrol as though he is drinking his beer. Just as a man who loves his beer so much that he never let a single drop to be wasted, so is his petrol pumping habit. The guy fills up the car full tank, and once it has been full, he shakes and rattles the pump to get out every last drop of petrol before returning the pump to the kiosk.

Mr. ‘for all it is worth’
This guy is almost the same as Mr. Save every last drop. The only difference is this scenario: Lets say his car tank is only able to support RM50 worth of petrol each time, this guy is so smart because he wants to save as much money on his last round of cheap petrol that he forces his car to ‘drink up’ RM 55 or 60 worth of petrol. And what happens when his car refused? He shakes his car up to force that extra few ringgits into the car. Poor car…. Kinda reminds me of guys forcing their friends to drink the whole jug of beer. Kaka.



Ms. ‘almost full’
This lady is the one who makes everyone queuing behind her frustrated in disbelief. Her tank is 3 quarter full already and she is discipline enough to come queue with thousand of other citizens to just fill up RM20 ringgit worth of petrol. And everyone behind her is going OMG, so kiasu!. Lol.

‘The lucky ones’
These are the so-called lucky people of the lot. Why? Because they are ‘lucky’ enough their tanks are totally empty. So these people get the most worth out of the cheap petrol sale day. And luckily, I fall under this category too. Haha with sarcasms. Lots of it!