Fuel Stations Temporarily Close as Prices Continue to Rise in Cambodia

On March 9, several fuel stations in the outskirts of Phnom Penh temporarily suspended operations after running out of fuel supplies while waiting for new deliveries. Two TOTAL stations along the ring road were among those that closed.

Later that night, additional fuel stations located along National Road 3 were also reported to have temporarily stopped operations.

A multi-agency task force in Kandal province found that 58 fuel stations and storage facilities had suspended operations due to depleted fuel stocks.

The Ministry of Commerce warned that fuel prices are expected to increase again on March 11 and urged the public to remain calm and avoid hoarding fuel beyond actual needs due to potential safety risks.

Economists suggested that rising fuel prices may partly be linked to some intermediaries temporarily suspending sales, which has contributed to market anxiety.

They also noted that some station owners may be holding back fuel supplies while waiting for higher prices before resuming sales.