Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Fuel prices in the Cambodian market are anticipated to experience a significant surge within the next ten days, according to Mr. Pen Sovicheat, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce. This warning comes as the price of regular petrol on the local market has already increased by 100 Riel per liter in the period from March 1st to March 10th.
The recent escalation of conflict in the Middle East has immediately propelled global oil prices upwards. As a nation heavily reliant on fuel imports, Cambodia is directly susceptible to these fluctuations in the international market. Mr. Pen Sovicheat noted that fuel prices in Cambodia were already showing an upward trend even before the latest outbreak of conflict in the region.
Currently, regular petrol and diesel are priced at 3,850 Riel per liter, while super petrol costs 4,700 Riel per liter. The Ministry of Commerce spokesperson indicated that the expected further price hike is largely due to the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, following recent developments in the Middle East. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial international maritime choke point, serving as a vital export route for major oil-producing nations such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Kuwait, and Iran.
While Cambodia primarily imports its fuel from Singapore, any disruption to major international supply routes like the Strait of Hormuz will inevitably lead to higher global oil prices, subsequently impacting the Cambodian market. Mr. Pen Sovicheat reiterated that the calculation of retail fuel prices in Cambodia is directly based on international market rates.
Despite the impending price increases, Mr. Pen Sovicheat assured the public that Cambodia currently maintains adequate fuel supplies to meet market demand. These existing reserves are based on older market prices and are sufficient to cover domestic consumption for approximately one month, even in a scenario where foreign imports become impossible. Furthermore, all local fuel companies are mandated to hold similar one-month reserves. The spokesperson expressed confidence that if the Middle East conflict does not prolong, these reserves will be adequate for daily use.
According to a report from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Cambodia imported 3,062,516 tons of fuel in 2025 through the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port and Phnom Penh Autonomous Port. Officials at the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port clarified that their role primarily involves receiving vessels to transfer fuel and gas to various depots, including Tela, Sokimex, and LHR. The main countries from which Cambodia imports fuel are Singapore, followed by Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and other nations.
