Fuel prices will remain the same for the third consecutive month despite the global crude oil price climbing to near US$50 per barrel in May.

According to petrol dealers, RON95 will remain at RM1.70 per litre while RON97 will still be at RM2.05 per litre for June.

The retail price for diesel is also unchanged, at RM1.55.

The prices have remained the same since April.

Brent crude was at a low US$36 per barrel in March but gradually climbed up to around US$48 in April, prompting expectations of a hike in May.

However, the hike did not materialise amid the Sarawak election on May 7.

Since then, the price of Brent crude has maintained in the high US$40 per barrel and hovered at more than US$49 per barrel in the last week.

The ringgit also weakened significantly in May to RM4.12 to a US Dollar, compared to RM3.93 at the end of April.

Despite these trends, the government has decided again not to increase fuel prices.

The government determines the price of fuel through a managed float.

It takes into accounts several factors, including the global price of crude oil and the country's currency strength in the previous month.

This is not the first time fuel prices were unchanged despite increase in global crude oil prices and the weakening ringgit.

In May last year, fuel prices were retained despite global crude oil price hitting a record high at US$66 per barrel.

This coincided with the Rompin and Permatang Pauh by-elections.

The Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections are set for June 18.