Cambodia spent US$2.82 billion importing diesel, gasoline and combustion gas during the first nine months of 2026, a 53.8% increase from US$1.84 billion in the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Commerce (MoC). The sharp rise reflects higher import expenditure amid increased domestic energy demand and elevated international fuel prices linked to conflicts in the Middle East.
The figures highlight Cambodia’s exposure to imported petroleum products as transport, logistics, industrial activity and electricity demand increase. With the country still relying on imported petroleum and its offshore oil and gas reserves not yet exploited, rising fuel costs have implications for household budgets, business operating expenses and the national import bill.
Key Facts About Cambodia’s Fuel Import Bill
Total imports: US$2.82 billion in January–September 2026.
Year-on-year increase: 53.8%, from US$1.84 billion in the first nine months of 2025.
Diesel imports: US$1.47 billion, up 48%.
Gasoline imports: US$1.04 billion, up 76%.
Combustion gas imports: US$314 million, up 23%.
Regular gasoline retail price: 5,150 riels (US$1.27) per litre, according to the reported price.
Diesel retail price: 5,650 riels (US$1.39) per litre.
Main issue: Cambodia’s reliance on imported petroleum exposes the economy to international fuel-price movements.
Cambodia’s Fuel Import Expenditure Rises Across Three Categories
Ministry of Commerce data show that import expenditure increased across diesel, gasoline and combustion gas during the first nine months of 2026.
| Fuel category | Import expenditure | Year-on-year change |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel | US$1.47 billion | +48% |
| Gasoline | US$1.04 billion | +76% |
| Combustion gas | US$314 million | +23% |
| Total reported | US$2.82 billion | +53.8% |
Gasoline recorded the fastest percentage increase among the three categories, rising 76% year on year. Diesel remained the largest category by reported expenditure, reaching US$1.47 billion.
The figures show that the increase was not confined to one type of fuel. All three categories recorded higher import expenditure, indicating broader pressure across Cambodia’s petroleum import bill.
The reported category figures total approximately US$2.824 billion, consistent with the rounded overall figure of US$2.82 billion.
Import expenditure, however, does not by itself establish how much additional fuel Cambodia consumed. The increase may reflect changes in international prices, import volumes or a combination of both. The source report does not provide the volume breakdown needed to determine the contribution of each factor.
Why Cambodia’s Fuel Import Bill Is Increasing?
Thong Mengdavid, deputy director of the China-ASEAN Studies Centre at the Cambodia University of Technology and Science, attributed the increase to a combination of domestic demand and international market pressures.
He identified expanding industrial production, transport and logistics networks, and rising electricity demand as key factors behind the increase.
These activities depend on reliable energy supplies. Diesel and gasoline support transport and logistics, while fuel products also contribute to the energy requirements of businesses and other economic activities.
At the same time, Mengdavid said domestic demand was meeting higher global fuel prices associated with ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
The combination matters because Cambodia’s import bill can rise even when domestic economic activity is not expanding rapidly enough to offset higher input costs. Businesses that depend on fuel-intensive transport or production may face pressure on operating expenses, while households can experience higher costs when retail fuel prices rise.
The available figures do not quantify how much of the 53.8% increase came from higher prices compared with changes in imported volumes.
Gasoline and Diesel Prices Remain Higher Than Pre-Conflict Levels
The Ministry of Commerce reported that regular gasoline was priced at 5,150 riels, equivalent to US$1.27 per litre, while diesel reached 5,650 riels, or US$1.39 per litre.
Compared with levels before the Middle East conflict, regular gasoline was up 33.7% and diesel was up 46.7%, according to the report.
| Fuel | Reported retail price | Increase from pre-conflict levels |
|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline | 5,150 riels per litre | 33.7% |
| Diesel | 5,650 riels per litre | 46.7% |
Higher retail prices affect consumers differently depending on their transport choices and energy requirements.
Motorcycle users and private-car owners may face higher commuting expenses. Transport operators and logistics companies may encounter increased costs for moving goods and passengers. Businesses that rely on fuel-powered equipment or generators may also experience pressure on their operating budgets.
The extent to which these costs are passed on to consumers depends on competition, demand, operating margins and the ability of businesses to absorb additional expenses.
Cambodia’s Dependence on Imported Petroleum Creates Economic Exposure
Cambodia currently relies on imported petroleum products, as its offshore oil and gas reserves have not yet been exploited, according to the source report.
This dependence makes the country vulnerable to movements in international fuel prices and disruptions affecting supply routes or global energy markets.
When import prices increase, the effects can spread beyond the direct cost of purchasing fuel. Transport, distribution and production expenses may also rise, affecting businesses across multiple sectors.
For companies operating on tight margins, sustained energy-cost increases can complicate budgeting and investment decisions. Households may also have less disposable income available for other spending when fuel and transport costs take up a larger share of their budgets.
However, the import expenditure figures alone do not establish the precise effect on Cambodia’s overall trade balance, inflation or economic growth. Those outcomes depend on a wider range of factors, including export performance, domestic demand, monetary conditions and government policy.
What the Rising Fuel Bill Means for Cambodian Businesses?
The increase in fuel import expenditure is relevant to businesses that rely on transport, distribution and energy-intensive operations.
Transport and logistics: Higher diesel and gasoline prices can increase the cost of moving goods, operating delivery fleets and providing passenger transport.
Manufacturing and industrial activity: Businesses that use fuel for equipment, backup power or transport may face higher production and distribution costs.
Agriculture: Fuel expenses can affect machinery operation, irrigation where fuel-powered equipment is used, and the movement of agricultural products to markets.
Retail and consumer services: Businesses may face indirect pressure when suppliers increase delivery charges or customers reduce discretionary spending to accommodate higher household energy costs.
Investment planning: Greater volatility in energy prices can make operating-cost forecasts less predictable, particularly for businesses with significant fuel consumption.
These are potential channels through which higher fuel costs can affect the economy. The source report does not quantify the actual cost increase for individual sectors or businesses.
Angkor Times Analysis: Energy Dependence Is a Strategic Business Risk
Cambodia’s 53.8% increase in oil and gas import expenditure highlights the importance of energy costs to the country’s business environment.
The key issue is not only the size of the import bill but also the uncertainty created when domestic energy requirements depend heavily on internationally traded fuels. Price shocks can affect transport, production and household purchasing power at the same time.
Three considerations stand out.
First, businesses need stronger energy-cost planning. Companies exposed to fuel prices can improve budgeting by monitoring consumption, evaluating transport efficiency and assessing how different fuel-price scenarios would affect margins.
Second, import expenditure should be interpreted alongside volume data. A larger bill may reflect higher international prices, increased demand or both. Import-volume statistics would help policymakers and businesses distinguish price pressures from changes in physical consumption.
Third, energy diversification remains economically relevant. Reducing exposure to imported petroleum can involve a combination of energy efficiency, reliable electricity systems and the development of alternative energy sources. The scale and timing of any benefits depend on implementation, infrastructure and cost.
The latest import figures do not, on their own, establish a long-term trend or show how much fuel prices will change in the coming months. They do, however, demonstrate that Cambodia’s energy import bill can rise substantially when international prices and domestic demand move upward together.
For businesses, monitoring fuel prices and managing energy exposure will remain important parts of financial planning. For policymakers, the challenge is to balance reliable energy supply and economic development with affordability and resilience to external shocks.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much did Cambodia spend on oil and gas imports in the first nine months of 2026?
Cambodia spent approximately US$2.82 billion on diesel, gasoline and combustion gas imports from January to September 2026, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
2. How much did fuel import expenditure increase?
The reported total rose 53.8% from US$1.84 billion during the same period in 2025.
3. Which fuel category recorded the largest percentage increase?
Gasoline import expenditure recorded the largest percentage increase, rising 76% year on year to US$1.04 billion.
4. What were Cambodia’s reported gasoline and diesel prices?
Regular gasoline was reported at 5,150 riels (US$1.27) per litre, while diesel was priced at 5,650 riels (US$1.39) per litre.
5. Why is Cambodia’s fuel import bill increasing?
The source report cites higher international fuel prices associated with Middle East conflicts and domestic demand linked to industrial production, transport, logistics and electricity consumption.
6. Does the 53.8% increase mean Cambodia imported 53.8% more fuel?
Not necessarily. The figure measures import expenditure, not physical volume. Determining whether Cambodia imported more fuel would require separate volume data.
7. Does Cambodia produce its own oil and gas?
The source report states that Cambodia relies on petroleum imports and has not yet exploited its offshore oil and gas reserves.
8. How could higher fuel prices affect Cambodian businesses?
Higher fuel prices can increase transport, logistics and operating expenses. The actual impact varies by industry, fuel consumption, pricing power and the ability to absorb additional costs.
Sources and Further Reading
Ministry of Commerce, Cambodia: Fuel import expenditure and retail price data cited in the source report.
Xinhua: Identified in the original report as a source for information on Cambodia’s reliance on petroleum imports.