Cambodia oil imports climb 36% in 2026

Cambodia oil imports climb 36% in 2026

Cambodia’s imports of mineral fuels and oils rose 36% year on year to $2.55 billion in the first half of 2026, the General Department of Customs and Excise said yesterday.

The report covered mineral fuels, oils, distilled products, bituminous substances and mineral waxes.

Thong Mengdavid, deputy director of the China ASEAN Studies Centre at the Cambodia University of Technology and Science, said the increase reflected stronger economic activity, rising industrial output, expanding transport and logistics, and higher electricity demand.

He noted Cambodia’s reliance on imported energy despite efforts to diversify domestic sources.

Mengdavid added that global fuel prices, driven up by Middle East conflicts, contributed to higher costs.

Yesterday, regular petrol was priced at 4,300 riel ($1.06) per litre and diesel at 4,950 riel per litre, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

Cambodia relies entirely on imported petroleum and diesel as its offshore reserves remain untapped. 

khmertimeskh