PM Hun Manet urges vigilance on oil supply amid Middle East tensions

PHNOM PENH, Mar. 6, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet has called on the Ministry of Finance and other authorities to closely monitor the country’s oil supply as global markets reel from rising tensions in the Middle East.

“Please properly monitor the oil quantity in the country and observe which foreign countries may limit their oil exports,” Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said Friday. “Work promptly and take immediate action to ensure the safety of our national oil supply.”

He warned domestic oil businesses against raising prices during the crisis, saying unjustified increases could hurt consumers.

“All officials across the country must monitor this issue to ensure businesses do not raise prices or hoard oil,” he added.

Fuel prices in Cambodia have already risen, with regular gasoline up 100 riels per litre to 3,850 riels between March 1 and 10, while diesel climbed 50 riels to the same level.

Global oil prices have spiked, with Brent crude jumping $3.66, or 4.7 percent, to $81.40 a barrel – its highest since January 2025 – while U.S. West Texas Intermediate gained $3.33, or 4.7 percent, to $74.56.

The surge followed attacks involving Israel and the United States on Iran that disrupted energy shipments.