Cambodia Raises Fuel Prices Again, Hun Manet Warns Of Cross-border Smuggling

By Vijian Paramasivam

PHNOM PENH, April 4 (Bernama) -- Cambodia’s Commerce Ministry has revised prices for main fuel types, with diesel reaching a high of 8,100 riel (RM8.19), as the global energy crisis prolongs. 

The latest price adjustment, effective today, marked a massive increase of 110 per cent compared with 3,850 riel (RM3.87) per litre of diesel before the West Asia conflict started in February. 

Price of regular petrol (Gasoline 92) meanwhile will cost 5,500 riel or RM5.05 per litre.

The price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) rose to 3,900 riel, or RM3.94 per litre, said the ministry in a statement issued at midnight on Friday. 

The price revisions come a day after Prime Minister Hun Manet said Cambodia has sufficient fuel supplies to meet domestic demand, and there is no need to import from neighbouring Thailand. 

He also warned of strict legal action against those who are involved in cross-border smuggling of fuel into the Kingdom.

“If any oil companies are involved, their licences must be revoked. If any civil servants or members of the Cambodian Armed Forces are involved, they must be terminated and summarily dismissed from the framework, no matter what their ranks are,” Manet said in a post on his official Facebook page on April 3.

The recent rise in fuel prices, especially diesel and LPG, is widely expected to impact the transportation, food and beverage sectors, and households. 

-- BERNAMA