Cambodia Cracks Down on Fuel Price Hikes

Cambodia’s government has moved swiftly to clamp down on petrol stations accused of charging above official rates, as global fuel markets reel from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The Ministry of Commerce’s General Department of Consumer Protection, Competition and Anti-Fraud announced that stations found selling at inflated prices will face penalties, including licence revocation. Energy Minister Keo Rattanak issued a stern warning, declaring that operators who ignore government-set prices “will be banned from the gasoline trade forever.”

Fuel prices in Cambodia are currently fixed for three-day periods, with the latest rates set at 4,400 riel (around $1.10) per litre of petrol and 5,150 riel (about $1.28) for diesel.

Officials have instructed provincial branches to intensify monitoring, collect data on price fluctuations, and report daily to the ministry.

Rattanak reassured the public that supplies remain stable despite turmoil in the Middle East, which has disrupted production and exports. He emphasised that Cambodia has reserves sufficient for 21 days in the event of an import stoppage, though imports continue daily. “We are not in a situation of fuel shortage,” he said, while cautioning that newly imported fuel will inevitably come at higher prices.

The minister also urged consumers not to store petrol at home, warning of serious safety risks. He made clear that individuals reselling fuel at inflated rates would face arrest. “If you buy 20 litres from the station and resell it at a higher price, you will be arrested,” he stated.

To secure long-term stability, Cambodia is negotiating with suppliers in the US, France, Singapore and Malaysia. For now, officials stress that imports remain uninterrupted, but vigilance is high as the regional crisis continues to push global prices upward.

The government’s uncompromising stance signals its determination to shield consumers from profiteering and maintain order in a volatile market. For motorists, the message is clear: official prices stand, and enforcement will be immediate.

-2026-03-09