Kuala lumpur: The government and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) are not selling oil and diesel to other countries, as previously emphasised by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) stated that reports involving diesel shipments from Malaysia to Australia actually refer to fuel owned by international companies that is stored in Malaysia before being re-exported.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the PMO clarified that the diesel in question does not originate from Malaysia's natural resources. The situation is akin to a previous instance involving the Philippines, where the diesel was not of Malaysian origin but belonged to international companies that purchased crude diesel from other countries and stored it in Malaysia. The current transactions involve fuel being sold to Australia through a contract between Viva Energy and BP Australia. The diesel is labeled as 'from Malaysia' because it was collected from storage facilities within the country.

Previously, allegations were made by certain parties claiming that the government was selling oil supplies to Australia amidst a global supply crisis. Prime Minister Anwar had earlier asserted that Malaysia prioritises its domestic fuel needs before considering any potential surplus supply to Australia.

In discussions with his Australian counterpart, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, both leaders expressed mutual understanding of each country's supply requirements, ensuring that domestic needs are prioritised before any contractual agreements for external supply are considered.