In Phnom Penh, Prime Minister Hun Manet issued a circular on fuel and electricity conservation in response to rising global energy prices caused by the war crisis in the Middle East.
The circular said the continuing and widening war was disrupting global crude-oil supply chains, sharply increasing fuel prices, including in Cambodia. Electricity production costs were also expected to rise because fuel is an important input for generation.
However, citing assessments by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Electricité du Cambodge and fuel importers, the circular said Cambodia’s fuel and electricity supply capacity could remain stable to support economic activity and public services.
The government therefore set out key energy-saving measures for ministries and institutions at national and subnational levels.
For fuel, the Ministry of Economy and Finance must review and reduce related spending, particularly on fuel and domestic and overseas missions, except where necessary for national sovereignty, security or essential public services. The Interior Ministry must encourage local authorities to strengthen traffic management and reduce congestion to save fuel.
The government also encouraged ministries and institutions to reduce long-distance travel for seminars and meetings wherever possible and use online arrangements instead.
For electricity, the Mines and Energy Ministry must prepare detailed efficiency guidance and work with the Information Ministry on public communication. All ministries and institutions must conserve electricity in administrative buildings and daily operations.
The capital and provincial administrations must work with Electricité du Cambodge to improve public-lighting efficiency, while all institutions continue encouraging public energy conservation.
The circular called on all ministries and institutions to implement the measures rigorously, effectively and with a strong sense of responsibility. By: KPS 99TV
