Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak today said Malaysia will maintain fuel prices at existing levels despite a recent surge in global oil prices.

"(There will be) no review at the moment. We want to maintain prices at current levels," he told reporters.

Oil prices were little changed in Asian trade Tuesday after rising sharply overnight in New York amid concerns over an oil workers' strike in Nigeria and US refinery capacity ahead of peak summer driving demand for gasoline (petrol).

Malaysia had imposed its highest-ever fuel price hikes in February last year, citing rising oil prices, and pledged to use the cost savings to boost the country's mediocre transport system.

Following the unpopular sharp hike, political and civil groups organised rare demonstrations in the streets of the capital Kuala Lumpur to condemn the government's decision since Malaysia is a net exporter of oil.

Asked if the current retail price will be maintained until year-end, Najib said: "I can't say but there will be no immediate review."