Prime Minister Hun Sen has banned any increase on electricity prices to help keep the cost of living down for Cambodians.

The premier made the statement on Monday to help the population escape from losing income by keeping the price the same and preventing raising fuel prices.

In a meeting with Cambodians on December 12 in Belgium, Hun Sen said there must be a clear mechanism to prevent an increase in oil prices in Cambodia. Electricite Du Cambodge (EDC) has to keep the price the same.

“When the price of fuel goes up, our electricity faces losses, but I would like to inform you that the government will not allow the increase in electricity prices," Hun Sen said.

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“If you dare to increase, it will be very dangerous for the livelihoods of the people who are losing income. Transportation costs are going up, and what is worse, the factories have to pay more for electricity. Therefore, I have advised Electricite Du Cambodge (EDC) and the Ministry of Mines and Energy to keep the price the same,” he added.

The Prime Minister also told the Ministry of Commerce that it must have a clear mechanism to prevent an increase in oil prices in Cambodia.

“The Ministry of Commerce is coordinating not to allow you to raise oil prices arbitrarily. This time, the royal government, despite the market economy, must have a guideline otherwise take the opportunity to increase oil prices, lower oil prices,” he said.

San Chey, executive director of the Affiliated Network for Social Accountability (ANSA), told Kiripost on Tuesday to contribute to the development of the national economy, especially to help low-income groups, Cambodia should reduce the price of gasoline, the state should prevent rising prices, and infrastructure should be easy so that these factors contribute to the production and operation of all kinds of goods in the country.

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“For economic activity, when attention is paid to this, I think it can help producers and distributors. All goods need to be transported from one place to another. It is necessary to use gasoline, so we need to get a suitable price,” Chey said.

On July 14, the Prime Minister estimated that EDC will lose $100 million in 2022 due to surging oil prices caused by the Russia-Ukraine war.

On December 11, the Ministry of Commerce issued a notification announcing the retail price of fuel at various stations. From today to December 20, regular gasoline will be sold at 4,100 riel and diesel at 4,250 riel per liter.