If you’re driving in Cambodia—whether renting a car or living as an expat—fuel is one of your main ongoing costs. The good news is: petrol stations are easy to find, fuel types are simple, and prices are relatively stable, although they fluctuate with global oil markets.
This guide breaks down fuel prices, fuel types, petrol station brands, and how the system works in Cambodia.
1. Current Fuel Prices in Cambodia (2026)
Fuel prices change regularly (usually every 10 days–2 weeks), but recent averages are:
- Gasoline (RON 95 / regular petrol): ~USD 1.40 – 1.65 per liter
- Diesel: ~USD 1.30 – 1.80 per liter
Recent official data shows:
- Gasoline around USD 1.47/L (≈ 5,900 KHR)
- Diesel around USD 1.35–1.60/L
👉 Cambodia imports all fuel, so prices follow global oil trends and currency exchange rates.
2. Fuel Types in Cambodia
Unlike some countries with many blends, Cambodia is simple.
✔ Gasoline (Petrol)
RON 92 (Regular Petrol)
- Cheapest option
- Most commonly used in motorcycles and older cars
- Safe for most small engines
RON 95 (Premium Petrol)
- Higher quality fuel
- Used in modern cars and rental vehicles
- Recommended for expats and tourists
✔ Diesel (Gasoil / DO)
- Used for:
- SUVs
- Pickup trucks
- Commercial vehicles
- Slightly cheaper or similar to petrol depending on global market
✔ LPG (Less common)
- Used for some taxis and converted vehicles
- Not widely used by expats
3. Major Petrol Station Brands in Cambodia
You’ll easily find fuel stations in cities and highways. Common fuel station brands:
- Tela Gas Station (most widespread)
- TotalEnergies Cambodia
- Caltex
- Peace Cambodia (Former PTT)
- Sokimex
👉 In cities like Phnom Penh, stations are available every few kilometers.
4. Where Petrol Stations Are Located
✔ Urban areas
- Very frequent (every 1–3 km in Phnom Penh)
- Located along main roads and ring roads
✔ Provincial roads
- Available every 20–50 km on major highways
- More limited in rural areas
✔ Tourist areas
- Easy access in:
- Siem Reap
- Sihanoukville
- Kampot
5. How Payment Works at Petrol Stations
Most stations are simple and flexible:
✔ Payment methods:
- Cash (KHR or USD)
- ABA Pay / QR payment (very common now)
- Card payments (in major stations only)
👉 Tip: Cash is still the fastest and most accepted method.
6. How Fuel Is Pumped (Important for Expats)
Unlike self-service countries:
✔ Full-service system:
- Attendant pumps fuel for you
- You tell them:
- Amount (e.g., $10, full tank)
- Or “full tank”
- They handle everything
👉 You usually do NOT pump your own fuel.
⚠️ 7. Common Confusion for Expats
❌ “RON 92 vs RON 95 confusion”
- RON 92 = regular fuel (motorbikes, budget cars)
- RON 95 = recommended for rental cars
❌ “Prices change often”
- Fuel prices adjust frequently based on global oil markets
❌ “No self-service”
- Always expect attendants
8. Fuel Cost Example (Monthly Driving Budget)
Small car (city use)
- 40–60 liters/month
- ≈ $60–$100/month
SUV / long-distance travel
- 80–150 liters/month
- ≈ $120–$250/month
Heavy travel / business use
- $250+ per month depending on mileage
9. Tips to Save Fuel Money
✔ Use RON 92 only if your car allows it
✔ Avoid heavy traffic hours in Phnom Penh
✔ Keep tires properly inflated
✔ Use fuel stations from major brands
✔ Avoid unnecessary idling in traffic
10. Best Fuel Strategy for Expats
If you rent a car:
👉 Always choose RON 95 petrol
If you drive long-term:
👉 Mix city driving + highway driving to reduce fuel waste
If you use motorbikes:
👉 RON 92 is enough
Final Thoughts
Fuel in Cambodia is:
✔ Easy to access
✔ Moderately priced
✔ Fully service-based (attendants)
✔ Reliable in cities and highways
The key for expats is simply understanding:
- RON 92 = basic fuel
- RON 95 = standard car fuel
- Diesel = SUVs & commercial vehicles
Once you understand the system, fueling in Cambodia becomes very straightforward.
