For the non-Malaysians reading this : In Malaysia, pumped-gasoline are controlled commodity where the prices at the pump are regulated by the government via a managed float system. That is to say, every week. the prices will be changed according to prevailing global oil prices and the currency exchange rate (It's a bit more complicated than that, but you get the idea).
So every Wednesday, many Malaysians will be waiting with baited breath when the new prices is announced at 6pm sharp. The updated weekly prices will then be updated at all the pumps in Malaysia at 12 midnight sharp.
Image credit : knowyourmeme.com
About 7 hours ago, another weekly price update was announced :
RON95 - increase RM0.03 to RM2.20 per liter
RON97 - increase RM0.04 to RM2.47 per liter
As expected, many drivers RUSHED the petrol stations throughout the night, forming long queues at the pump to get cheaper gas before midnight. This is a recurring pattern every time an increased is announced.
Image credit : themalaymailonline.com
Of course, I understand the economy is far from being rosy, a penny saved is a penny earned, right? So let's see how much you "earned" tonight.
Let's take the average fuel tank capacity found in most popular car models in Malaysia, that is 50 liters. Most Malaysians use RON95 that saw and increase of 3 cents, so let's use that for this example.
50 x 0.03 = RM1.50
So, if your fuel tank is COMPLETELY bone dry and you pushed your car all the way from your home to the petrol station, congratulations you have saved RM1.50. You can't even enjoy a cup of coffee at the mamak for RM1.50.
Fine, let's say we are having a bad week the the fuel prices went up RM0.10.
50 x 0.10 = RM5.00
Cool, enough for a meal or two of Nasi Lemak kosong provided you bring your own beverages. But I don't think this meal have enough calories to replenish the energy you used to push your car to the station.
Image credit : istock
Since you are reading this in Steemit, you are probably a Steemian. How much is RM1.50 and RM5.00 in STEEM at the current exchange rate? 0.11 STEEM and 0.39 STEEM respectively. And that's not counting the value of the time you spent queuing at the pump. So why not just stay at home and use that time to write a good post so you can earn back that difference for this week? instead of getting frustrated sitting in the queue.
What if you're not a STEEMIAN? well you can join up and start blogging. BUT if you are not compelled to write for money, consider this - is it easier to queue at the station for less than RM5 worth of savings, or is it easier to save RM5 from somewhere else in your daily life? bring your own water tumbler instead of ordering coffee perhaps?
The point is - Don't undervalue your time and energy. Spend it on something more worthwhile such as watch TV with your family or hangout with your friends. At least. until we need to pay RM4/liter for gasoline.
