Cambodia Diesel Prices Double Amid Global Oil Surge

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Phnom Penh: Diesel prices in Cambodia have surged to double their pre-conflict levels, raising concerns among farmers ahead of the upcoming ploughing season.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, diesel prices rose to 7,500 riel ($1.88) per litre as of Wednesday midnight, up from 7,200 riel a day earlier and 3,750 riel in late February. Regular gasoline now costs 5,450 riel per litre, also up sharply from around 3,750 riel before the escalation.

The spike follows the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East after strikes on Iran on February 28, which has driven up global oil and gas prices and heightened fears of fuel shortages, particularly in import-dependent regions across Asia.

Cambodia, which relies entirely on imported fuel, regulates domestic prices through government caps.

Farmers say the rising costs are already taking a toll. Bun Thoeun, a 71-year-old farmer from Battambang province, said higher diesel prices have made agricultural work more expensive.

“The high price of diesel has put farmers in a difficult situation,” he said, noting that tractor rental costs have nearly doubled from 80,000 riel to 150,000 riel.

With ploughing season set to begin in May, farmers are also concerned about the cost of running water pumps needed for irrigation.

“We hope there will be a lot of rain; that would help,” he added.