Hun Manet Says Cambodia Has Committed Nearly $500 Million to Cushion Fuel and Electricity Prices
Prime Minister Hun Manet said on October 7 that Cambodia has committed nearly $500 million to cushion fuel and electricity prices, as the government absorbs part of the global energy price shock for households and businesses. He made the remarks in Phnom Penh and said subsidies would remain in place while global fuel markets stayed elevated.
Cambodia imports almost all of its refined fuel. Customs data show imports of mineral fuels, oils and related products reached $3.38 billion from January to August 2026, up from $2.41 billion a year earlier. Announced retail prices for October 11 to 21 are 5,350 riel per litre for regular petrol and 5,550 riel for diesel.
Hun Manet said the energy figure does not include the cost of responding to other crises. Cambodia is simultaneously dealing with the aftermath of border conflict and severe flooding that destroyed roads and cut national routes, while the customs and tax revenue used for energy relief is also needed elsewhere. He urged preparation for further adverse developments in 2027, saying the country hopes the worst will not come but must prepare in advance.
The Ministry of Mines and Energy targets a renewable share of at least 70 percent of electricity generation by 2030. For Chinese families and merchants in Cambodia, fuel prices feed directly into logistics, generator and grocery costs; budget-funded relief has softened, but not removed, the increase over pre-conflict prices.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 加油站油枪实景，摄影：PattayaPa，CC BY-SA 4.0，来源：Wikimedia Commons（File:DZ6 2617 Empty Shell station at night - bright lights and clean pumps ready for early-morning customers. (55017570203).jpg）
