Cambodia turns to Singapore, Malaysia for fuel

Cambodia is importing more fuel from suppliers in Singapore and Malaysia to make up for supply shortfalls from Vietnam and China, as the US-Israeli war on Iran squeezes fuel availability globally.



About a third of the 6,300 petrol stations in the country of nearly 18 million people have shut since last Wednesday, with authorities investigating whether businesses are hoarding stocks ahead of further price rises.



Vietnam and China have restricted fuel exports until at least end-March to arrest potential domestic shortages.



Neighbouring Thailand banned exports in July 2025 after the onset of armed conflict with Cambodia and has not resumed supplies since.



Thailand and Vietnam together accounted for over 60 per cent of Cambodia's annual petroleum product imports in 2024, while Singapore and Malaysia made up nearly a third, and China accounted for around 7 per cent, according to data from the International Trade Centre.



Energy Minister Keo Rottanak said Cambodia was boosting imports from Singapore and Malaysia due to export restrictions elsewhere.



Rottanak did not provide specifics on when the supplies from Singapore and Malaysia would arrive, but said current fuel stockpiles were comparable to historical levels.