Kingdom’s fuel imports exceed $1 billion in Q1

Kingdom’s fuel imports exceed $1 billion in Q1

The steady rise in fuel imports suggests growing demand driven by industrial production, logistics, and urbanisation.

Cambodia’s import of oil and fuel reached over $1 billion in the first quarter of 2026, making it the country’s largest import category and accounting for 11.4 percent of total imports.

According to data from the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE), this figure reflects a five percent year-on-year increase, underscoring the country’s continued reliance on imported energy to sustain economic activity.

In March 2026 alone, the Kingdom spent $404 million on oil and fuel imports, an increase of 32.6 percent year-on-year.

Global oil price dynamics following the Middle East war played a significant role in the rising expenditure for oil and fuel imports, given the scale of Cambodia’s dependency on the imports.

Additionally, currency fluctuations and regional supply chain conditions also influenced import costs and volumes.

The trend is also closely tied to Cambodia’s rapid economic expansion, particularly in manufacturing, construction, and transportation. As a developing economy with limited domestic energy resources, Cambodia depends heavily on external suppliers for refined petroleum products.

The steady rise in fuel imports suggests growing demand driven by industrial production, logistics, and urbanisation, especially in key economic hubs such as Phnom Penh.

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