Kiripost Nearly 2,000 fuel stations across Cambodia have been forced to close temporarily due to a nationwide stock shortage, officials confirmed this week. Out of more than 6,300 depots, almost a third have shut their doors, prompting the Ministry of Commerce to step in with emergency measures. Commerce Minister Cham Nimul said inspections were under way to ensure stations were not withholding supplies in anticipation of price rises. “Any location found to be in stock but not selling to the public will face fines and complete closure of their business licences,” she warned. For those genuinely out of stock, the government is coordinating with the private sector to import fuel to keep businesses running. From 11 to 13 March, the ministry set retail prices at 5,200 riel per litre for regular petrol and 6,050 riel for diesel. Nimul suggested prices could ease following early signs of a decline, though she gave no details. Officials have already fined two stations in Phnom Penh for overcharging, with penalties reaching four million riel or licence revocation. The Consumer Protection and Competition and Fraud Repression Directorate-General (CCF) is monitoring sales closely to ensure compliance. The shortages come as Cambodia’s fuel import bill continues to climb. According to customs data, the country spent $606 million on mineral fuel and oil imports in the first two months of 2026 alone. The closures have disrupted daily life and business operations nationwide, with long queues forming at stations still open. The government insists it is working to stabilise supplies, but the crisis highlights Cambodia’s vulnerability to global energy markets and the pressure on domestic regulation. -2026-03-13
