Cambodia’s Imports from Singapore Surge After Thai Fuel Halt

Cambodia’s Imports from Singapore Surge After Thai Fuel Halt

Phnom Penh, Feb. 14, 2026 — Cambodia’s imports from Singapore surged 252% year on year in January, while shipments from Thailand fell sharply, reflecting a shift in energy supply following Phnom Penh’s halt of fuel purchases from its neighbour, customs data showed.

Figures cited from the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia showed imports from Singapore rising to $166.6 million in January 2026. Imports from Thailand dropped 49.3% to $151.1 million.

The change follows Cambodia’s decision to stop oil and gas imports from Thailand effective June 22, 2025, after border tensions escalated.

Analysts said the spike in Singapore imports likely reflects redirected petroleum procurement rather than a broad restructuring of Cambodia’s supply chain.

A regional assessment by the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office previously noted Cambodia’s heavy reliance on Thailand for petroleum products, with more than 30% of such imports sourced from Thailand before the disruption.

Economists said the January figures suggest substitution effects in high-value energy products, which can significantly shift bilateral trade totals when supply channels change.