A geopolitical analyst has called on Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce to reconsider the country’s fuel pricing policy as global oil prices continue to fall sharply.
The analyst, Chey Tech, who studies geopolitics and socio-economic development, said the ministry should review the next round of fuel price adjustments scheduled for March 11 so that domestic prices better reflect the decline in international markets.
According to Chey Tech, global oil prices have dropped significantly, falling from about 119 dollars per barrel to below 90 dollars per barrel as of March 9. A barrel contains roughly 159 litres of crude oil. He said he hopes fuel prices in Cambodia will also fall quickly in response.
Chey Tech attributed the drop in global oil prices to several factors. These include recent discussions among oil-producing countries in the OPEC Plus group and a meeting of G7 nations aimed at releasing strategic oil reserves.
He also pointed to diplomatic efforts involving the United States, France, and China. The presidents of the United States and France have reportedly asked China’s leader to help engage with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments. China has not yet responded to the request.
Other factors include the easing of sanctions on some oil-exporting countries, including Russia, and remarks by United States President Donald Trump suggesting that the conflict involving Iran could end soon.
However, Chey Tech warned that oil prices could rise again if the conflict continues or escalates. Prices could quickly rebound, he said, particularly if Iran launches retaliatory attacks after its oil facilities were targeted in earlier strikes.
The CAN news agency quoted Donald Trump on March 9 as saying the Iran war could end soon, although he did not provide a clear timeline for the end of hostilities in the Middle East.
Following those remarks, global crude oil prices, which had previously surged above 110 dollars per barrel, the highest level in four years, quickly fell to below 90 dollars.
CAN also reported that Donald Trump warned of severe and unpredictable consequences if Tehran were to disrupt oil supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, French newspaper Le Monde quoted French President Emmanuel Macron on March 9 as saying that France and its allies were preparing a defensive mission aimed at reopening the strait. Emmanuel Macron said the move was necessary to protect international trade and restore the flow of oil and gas from the Persian Gulf.
The volatility in global markets has pushed fuel prices higher in Cambodia. In response, the government has introduced several measures aimed at stabilising domestic prices.
One such measure shortened the period for adjusting retail fuel prices at stations and depots from ten days to three.
On March 1, 2026, Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce issued a notice setting retail fuel prices for the period from March 1 to March 10. But on March 8, the ministry released another announcement revising the prices again.
Under the latest notice, fuel prices are scheduled to be reviewed once more on March 11.
Cambodia’s Minister of Mines and Energy, Keo Rottanak, said on March 9 that the country is not currently facing fuel shortages, although global uncertainties remain. Keo Rottanak called on the public to conserve fuel during the current period of risk.
In Takéo province, the provincial Department of Mines and Energy announced on March 10 that the province has about 400 fuel stations. Of those, 89 stations have temporarily suspended operations after companies halted fuel supplies to those outlets.
