They say it could be ineffective and run the risk of tax evaders.

Although the cheaper petrol variant has not been available in Malaysia since 2009, it is still used in many parts of the world, including developed countries.

Transport operators say they cannot guarantee that prices will remain the same, citing the exclusion of tipper lorries for subsidies and scant details on compensation programmes.

Teh tarik is among the popular food and drinks that will be affected, say restaurant owners.

In other words, can someone who fails to do something simple succeed at something big?

Any fuel export quotas are likely to be put in place after the lifting of an export ban and would be similar to Russian restrictions on cross-border fertiliser sales.

They say the problem lies in enforcement and the establishment of laws to prevent foreign drivers from buying petrol meant for Malaysians.

Heavily reliant on energy imports, Bangladesh is grappling with power cuts resulting from a fuel shortage that have badly hurt its exports-oriented garments industry.

Petrol prices in New Zealand, like elsewhere, have risen sharply since Russia's attack on Ukraine started around a year ago, contributing to significant inflation.

The decree will be in effect from Feb 1 until July 1.

With the country depending entirely on imports since April, the failure of a recent shipment to pass quality tests resulted in shortages at Auckland Airport, the country's busiest.

Unions in other industries and the public sector have also announced action to protest against the twin impact of soaring energy prices and overall inflation on the cost of living.