Cambodia’s Fuel and Oil Imports Surge 40 Percent to $3.38 Billion

Dragon Media News Desk

Cambodia’s imports of mineral fuels, oils and refined petroleum products increased by 40 percent year-on-year during the first eight months of 2026.

According to the General Department of Customs and Excise, Cambodia spent $3.38 billion on these commodities between January and August, up from $2.41 billion during the same period last year.

The category includes mineral fuels, mineral oils, distilled petroleum products, bituminous substances and mineral waxes.

Thong Mengdavid, deputy director of the China-ASEAN Studies Center at the Cambodia University of Technology and Science, said the rise in fuel imports reflected stronger domestic economic activity.

He cited expanding industrial production, growth in transport and logistics networks, and increasing electricity demand as major factors behind the rise.

He also said higher global fuel prices, driven in part by continuing conflicts in the Middle East, had contributed significantly to Cambodia’s increased import bill.

The impact of higher international prices has also reached local consumers. Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce said the price of regular gasoline rose by 9 percent over the past 10 days to 4,800 riels, or about $1.18, per litre.

Diesel prices increased by 6 percent to 5,450 riels, or around $1.34, per litre.

Cambodia remains fully dependent on imported petroleum and diesel, as its offshore oil reserves have yet to be commercially exploited.