Global fuel availability has tightened amid the Middle East conflict, affecting Cambodia’s market. In an interview with Reuters on March 18, Mines and Energy Minister Keo Rottanak said Cambodia was increasing imports from Singapore and Malaysia to make up for reduced supplies from China and Vietnam following their export restrictions.
The minister said price volatility and supply uncertainty had affected petrol stations. About a third of the country’s roughly 6,300 stations had closed in the week before the interview, but only 5.77% remained closed as of March 18. China and Vietnam had restricted exports until at least the end of March to protect domestic supplies. Cambodia–Thailand fuel trade had stopped after the 2025 border conflict.
The report cites 2024 import figures putting Thailand and Vietnam together at more than 60% of the value of Cambodia’s petroleum-product imports, Singapore and Malaysia at nearly one-third, and China at about 7%. Rottanak said imports from China had fallen, but partnerships with global suppliers Total and Chevron helped mitigate risks. Cambodia has no refinery and normally holds less than a month’s supply of diesel, jet fuel, LPG and petrol, he said, while describing fuel inflows at the time as manageable.
