The report says fuel-station closures are not confined to the provinces: nearly 50 stations in Phnom Penh have also temporarily suspended business. Authorities said this had not caused social disorder.
Phnom Penh Mines and Energy Department director Ngy Bunly told the 22nd ordinary meeting of the fourth municipal council on the morning of March 12 that the capital had more than 447 fuel stations. War involving Iran, Israel and the United States had pushed prices up, and supply-company problems had led nearly 50 stations to suspend operations. He said this had not caused social disorder, while major stations remained open and were not arbitrarily raising prices. The meeting was chaired by municipal council chairman Mop Sarin.
Stations in other provinces have also closed, reaching hundreds in some provinces. The Commerce Minister said Cambodia had about 6,300 stations and fuel depots, of which around 2,000 had announced temporary closures amid high oil prices caused by the Middle East war.
The council chairman instructed authorities in all 14 districts to monitor local fuel stations regularly and ensure operators followed prices set by the Commerce Ministry.
Written by Nget Pisant.
