Cambodia's Fuel Imports Remain Stable, Minister Cites Reserve of Up to Three Weeks

Cambodia's imports of fuel and liquefied petroleum gas are continuing without disruption, Minister of Mines and Energy Keo Rottanak said on September 25, even as he called on the public to use energy more conservatively amid uncertainty on global and regional markets.

Reserves estimated at 10 to 21 days

The minister said current stocks together with approved import plans would be enough to cover domestic needs for a limited period if no new shipments arrived. According to his assessment, the buffer would last about 10 days for aviation fuel, 21 days for gasoline, 15 days for diesel and 10 days for LPG.

He noted that this level is similar to the reserve position before the recent crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, and stressed that the figures do not mean imports have been halted.

Rottanak said Cambodia's diversified network of suppliers and regional partnerships has kept fuel and LPG deliveries flowing with no indication of interruption. He added that the Ministry of Mines and Energy, together with the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Economy and Finance, is maintaining the government's fuel price support measures.

Authorities are also moving forward with plans to build additional storage capacity to improve long-term energy security, he said.

Markets remain fragile, electricity supply normal

Despite the stable import situation, the minister warned that fuel markets remain vulnerable, pointing to the ongoing war in Ukraine and heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. He said several countries have already introduced measures to curb consumption and urged Cambodians to use fuel and gas responsibly.

"While the government continues to closely monitor the situation and is working with fuel and gas suppliers on further steps, the ministry asks the public to conserve as much fuel and gas as possible," he said.

Rottanak also said electricity supply is operating normally, with adequate capacity and no changes to tariffs. As of September 25, hydropower and solar together accounted for about 83.2 percent of power generation, while coal provided around 16 percent. No fuel oil was being used for electricity production at present, he said.

He added that Electricité du Cambodge will continue to absorb the higher cost of coal to keep electricity prices stable.

On long-term projects, the minister provided an update on the planned 900-megawatt liquefied natural gas power plant in Koh Kong province. Site preparation and construction of a gas receiving terminal are underway, and the first 450-megawatt turbine is currently being shipped to Cambodia, he said.

He urged the public to follow official information from the relevant ministries as the situation develops.