Nearly 2,000 Cambodian petrol stations shut amid fuel shortages

Nearly 2,000 fuel stations in Cambodia have temporarily closed due to a shortage of petrol and diesel, prompting government action to stabilise supply.

The Ministry of Commerce confirmed that out of more than 6,300 gas stations nationwide, almost 2,000 were unable to operate as of March 11 because they had run out of fuel. The closures have caused widespread disruption to fuel sales and business operations.

According to Kiripost, Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce, said inspections are being conducted across the country to ensure compliance with regulations. “Any station found to have fuel in stock but withholding it to drive up prices will face fines and possible revocation of their business licence,” she stated. “If a station genuinely runs out, the government will coordinate with the private sector to import fuel and support operations.”

From March 11 to 13, 2026, regular petrol has been sold at KHR5,200 ($1.29) per litre, while diesel is set at KHR6,050 ($1.50) per litre. The minister suggested retail prices may fall following signs of improvement, though no further details were provided.

Kim Meas Sokseyha, Director of the Consumer Protection and Competition and Fraud Repression Directorate-General, said any gas station caught overcharging customers could face a fine of KHR4mn or have its licence revoked under the authority of the Ministry of Mines and Energy. He noted that two stations in Phnom Penh have already been penalised, and monitoring continues nationwide to enforce compliance with government pricing rules.

According to the General Department of Customs and Excise, Cambodia spent $606mn on mineral fuel and oil imports in the first two months of 2026, underscoring the government’s reliance on imported fuel to meet domestic demand.

The Ministry of Commerce is actively coordinating emergency fuel imports with private suppliers to ensure the country’s energy supply remains stable and accessible to the public.