Energy minister says new fuel shipments help stabilize supply amid regional tightness

PHNOM PENH, March 30, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s energy minister said the country is stepping up efforts to secure fuel supplies as new shipments of liquefied petroleum gas, diesel and gasoline arrived at the Tela oil and gas terminal in Phnom Penh over the weekend.

Keo Rottanak, Minister of Mines and Energy, said a 3,400-ton LPG vessel had docked to help sustain supply, alongside a diesel and gasoline shipment from Caltex. He described the arrivals as evidence of “ongoing coordination with domestic and international suppliers to help maintain fuel and gas supply across the region.”

“While supply is tight across the region, we are working hard to maintain stability,” Rottanak said. “I encourage everyone to use LPG and petroleum products wisely and responsibly during this difficult time.”

The government has introduced tax cuts to ease the burden on households and businesses, reducing VAT on fuel and eliminating the special tax on diesel. Officials say the measures are designed to ensure that the full impact of higher global costs is not passed on to consumers.

Fuel prices remain volatile: retail gasoline 92 fell to 5,000 riel per liter, while diesel rose to 7,200 riel, reflecting global benchmarks above USD 90 for gasoline and USD 100 for diesel.

The Asian Development Bank has warned that prolonged disruptions linked to Middle East conflicts could choke growth and spur inflation across Asia and the Pacific, underscoring the pressure facing Cambodia’s energy sector.