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Motorists planning to cross the border into Brunei are being advised to fuel up in Malaysia first
Starting 1 April, Brunei's Department of Energy (DOE) will require all foreign-registered vehicles to have at least three-quarters of a tank of fuel upon entry.
The new regulation is mandatory and applies to all foreign vehicles, except official government vehicles, which are exempt.
According to Brunei's DOE, vehicles that do not comply with this requirement will not be allowed to enter the country.
For Brunei-registered vehicles returning from abroad, the rule does not apply on the first entry, but will be enforced on any subsequent entry made within 24 hours.
Why is this happening?
The DOE stated that the updated petroleum control measures aim to safeguard the nation's fuel supply following geopolitical tensions in the Middle East since late February 2026.
"The mandatory measure is part of the government's ongoing efforts to ensure subsidised fuel is used prudently for domestic needs and to safeguard national energy security," the statement read.
Foreign motorists should also note that they are not eligible for subsidised fuel in Brunei.
Foreign-registered vehicles are only permitted to purchase Shell V-Power Gasoline or Shell V-Power Diesel at participating petrol stations at prevailing market prices.
A car drives past the logo of Brunei Liquefied Natural Gas (BLNG) company in Kuala Belait district in Brunei
Image via Mohd Rasfan/AFPCrackdown on "false" plates
Authorities are taking enforcement seriously, with petrol station operators instructed to strictly follow verification procedures, including checking vehicle registration numbers.
The department warned that stern action will be taken against any party found using false or altered registration plates to bypass the regulations. Monitoring and enforcement will be carried out actively by the relevant authorities to prevent abuse.
