PHNOM PENH, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's total import of diesel fuel, gasoline, and combustion gas was valued at 2.23 billion U.S. dollars in the first 11 months of 2025, down 10 percent from 2.48 billion dollars over the same period last year, said a Ministry of Commerce report on Wednesday.

The country spent 1.17 billion dollars for importing diesel fuel during the January-November period this year, down 9.8 percent year on year; 751 million dollars for gasoline, down 14 percent; and 309 million dollars on combustion gas, up 0.28 percent, the report said.

Currently, the Southeast Asian country absolutely depends on the imports of oil and gas as its seabed's oil reserves have not been exploited yet.

Thong Mengdavid, a lecturer at the Institute for International Studies and Public Policy of the Royal University of Phnom Penh, said the slump in Cambodia's fuel imports suggested easing global oil prices, enhanced energy efficiency, and the growing role of renewable energy and hydropower in domestic consumption.

"Looking ahead, Cambodia's energy security strategy, through diversification of energy sources and regional power connectivity, could further reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, aligning with its green growth goals," he told Xinhua. ■