BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Foreign-registered vehicles that fail to meet new fuel requirements will be denied entry into Brunei from April 1, as the government moves to safeguard the nation’s petroleum supply.

The stricter measures come as the global economy faces its most severe oil shock in decades. A blockade of the Strait of Hormuz—a consequence of the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran—has triggered acute energy shortages worldwide, with Brent crude pries reaching historic levels.

New rules for foreign vehicles

On Monday, the Department of Energy (DoE) announced controls on the sale of gasoline, diesel, V-Power gasoline and V-Power diesel, as part of efforts to protect subsidised fuel for domestic use.

Under the new regulations, all foreign-registered vehicles crossing into Brunei must enter with at least three-quarters (3/4) of a tank of fuel. The DoE stated that vehicles failing to comply will be denied entry, with official government vehicles exempted.

While in Brunei, they will only be allowed to purchase unsubsidised Shell V-Power gasoline or Shell V-Power diesel at prevailing market rates, and at designated petrol stations. Petrol station operators are required to strengthen verification processes, including checks on vehicle registration plates to prevent misuse.

Brunei-registered vehicles are exempt from the 3/4 tank rule on their first entry of the day, but must comply if they re-enter a second time within 24 hours.

The DoE described the measures are “mandatory and form part of ongoing efforts to ensure subsidised fuel is used prudently while safeguarding national energy security.”

Authorities are also investigating unverified social media reports regarding fuel smuggling at local stations. Officials warned that anyone caught circumventing these rules or tampering with vehicle registration plates will face immediate legal action.