KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysian vehicle owners have been advised to refuel before entering Brunei under a new requirement effective April 1.

The rule mandates that all foreign-registered vehicles must have at least three-quarters of a tank of fuel upon entry.

The directive was issued by Brunei’s Department of Energy and aimed at safeguarding the country’s petroleum supply.

The move comes amid geopolitical developments in the Middle East since late February 2026.

“All foreign-registered vehicles entering Brunei Darussalam will be required to maintain a minimum fuel level of three-quarter tank upon entry.

“Foreign vehicles that do not comply with this requirement will not be allowed to enter Brunei Darussalam,” the department said, as cited from The Borneo Post.

Government vehicles are exempt from the requirement.

Foreign vehicles already in Brunei will face restrictions when purchasing fuel.

They will only be allowed to buy Shell V-Power Gasoline or Shell V-Power Diesel.

These must be purchased at participating petrol stations at prevailing market prices.

The rule does not apply to Brunei-registered vehicles returning from Malaysia on their first entry.

However, it will be enforced for second and subsequent entries within a 24-hour period.

Fuel station operators have been instructed to implement strict verification procedures to prevent abuse of subsidised fuel.

“Actions will be taken for any attempts to use false or modified registration plates.

“Monitoring and enforcement will be actively carried out by the relevant authorities,” the department said.

The measures are mandatory and form part of broader efforts to ensure the responsible use of subsidised fuel while also protecting national energy security.