LPG Prices Soar to RM330 per Cylinder, Burdening Malaysian Businesses
Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices have surged, with a 50kg cylinder now costing up to RM330.
- This significant price increase is causing concern among food business operators and small enterprises.
- The price hike affects various cylinder sizes, with 14kg cylinders also seeing substantial increases.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia are facing a significant challenge as the price of commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has seen a dramatic increase. The cost of a 50kg LPG cylinder has reportedly skyrocketed to RM330 in the market, sending ripples of concern through the food industry and other small businesses that rely heavily on this essential commodity.
This sharp rise in LPG prices is not isolated to the larger cylinders. A survey by Utusan Malaysia revealed that even the more common 14kg cylinders are now being sold at prices ranging from RM84 to RM104. The 50kg cylinders, meanwhile, are priced between RM270 and RM330, with the final cost varying depending on the supplier and the buyer's location.
The price of commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders of 50 kilograms (kg) has reportedly surged to RM330 per cylinder in the market, causing concern among food business operators and small businesses.
The implications of this price surge are substantial for business owners. Many food operators, particularly those in the hawker and restaurant sectors, operate on thin margins. The increased cost of LPG directly impacts their operational expenses, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers or reduced profitability for the businesses themselves.
This situation underscores the vulnerability of Malaysian businesses to global commodity price fluctuations and supply chain dynamics. As the country navigates economic recovery, such unexpected cost increases can pose a significant hurdle for entrepreneurs and small business owners striving to maintain their livelihoods and contribute to the local economy. Further analysis is needed to understand the specific factors driving this price hike and to explore potential relief measures for affected businesses.
A survey by Utusan Malaysia found that the price of commercial LPG has also increased significantly, with 14kg cylinders now selling for around RM84 to RM104, while 50kg cylinders are priced between RM270 and RM330 per cylinder, depending on the supplier and location.
Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.