Cambodia’s Fuel Import Bill Falls 10% in First 11 Months of 2025

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Cambodia’s Fuel Import Bill Falls 10% in First 11 Months of 2025
Cambodia’s Fuel Import Bill Falls 10% in First 11 Months of 2025./Photo: Phin Rathana

Cambodia spent USD 2.23 billion on imports of diesel fuel, petrol and combustion gas during the first 11 months of 2025, representing a 10 per cent year-on-year decline from USD 2.48 billion over the same period in 2024.

According to Xinhua, citing the Cambodia Ministry of Commerce’s report, between January and November 2025, Cambodia imported USD 1.17 billion worth of diesel fuel, down 9.8 per cent year on year. Imports of petrol fell more sharply, declining 14 per cent to USD 751 million, while expenditure on combustion gas edged up slightly by 0.28 per cent to USD 309 million.

Cambodia continues to rely heavily on imported oil and gas, as offshore petroleum reserves in the country’s seabed have yet to be commercially developed.

Commenting on this, Thong Mengdavid, a lecturer at the Institute for International Studies and Public Policy at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, said the decline in fuel imports reflects a combination of easing global oil prices, improved energy efficiency, and the expanding role of renewable energy and hydropower in domestic consumption.

“Looking ahead, Cambodia’s energy security strategy—through diversification of energy sources and stronger regional power connectivity—could further reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, in line with its green growth objectives,” he told Xinhua.