LEMON BLOG

Bitcoin has once again shown how quickly sentiment can flip in the current market. After sliding over the weekend on geopolitical worries, the cryptocurrency recovered strongly during Monday's U.S. trading session, climbing back to about US$73,400, or roughly RM289,000 at current exchange rates. Oil also gave up some of its earlier spike, slipping back below US$100 a barrel, which helped calm nerves across broader markets.

Malaysia's fuel subsidy bill is rising dramatically as the government moves to shield consumers from the impact of higher global oil prices. With tensions in the Middle East pushing energy costs upward, the country is now expected to spend about RM3.2 billion a month on fuel subsidies, a steep jump from the roughly RM700 million it was paying previously.

Malaysia's fuel subsidy debate is back in focus, and this time the pressure is coming from outside the country. Economists are warning that if the conflict involving Iran keeps global oil prices elevated, the government may need to rethink how it supports petrol prices, especially for RON95. The concern is not just about today's pump price, but about how long public finances can keep absorbing the gap if energy markets stay volatile.