The cost of fuel has risen again, with gasoline prices jumping by 150 riel a liter and diesel 100 riel compared to nine days ago, dealing a devastating blow to fuel-dependent industries.

The Ministry of Commerce announced the new retail prices on Wednesday, adding that they will be in place at all petrol depots from September 21 to 30.

This means prices have been set at 4,750 riel per liter for regular EA92 gasoline and 4,850 riel per liter for DO50ppm diesel.

Vorn Pov, President of the Independent Association of Informal Economy, believes that gasoline prices will continue to rise and not decline, adding this is a blow for the transport industry in Cambodia.

He said the new prices will impact small traders, vendors and, especially, transporters. “It not only affects most traders but also farmers so most of them are directly affected,” Pov said.

He went on to say that income and outcome may become unbalanced due to commodities rising day-by-day. “The state does not seem to have a mechanism for us to reduce when the economy is declining,” Pov commented.

He thinks that the Government should take measures to prevent rising oil prices and delay the payment of people's banks. “This is what we can do, if not, we will have a hard time doing business.”

From September 11 to 20, retail prices at all petrol depots were set at 4,600 riel per liter for regular EA92 gasoline and 4,750 riel per liter for DO50ppm diesel.