Cambodian officials told to save petrol
Bottled gas: A motorcycle tank is being filled with petrol in the street of Phnom Penh yesterday. Cambodia's premier banned the use of state vehicles for anything other than official business in a bid to save petrol amid soaring world oil prices.Picture: AFP
Friday, January 4, 2008
CAMBODIA'S premier yesterday banned the use of state vehicles for anything other than official business in a bid to save petrol amid soaring world oil prices.
"Do not use petrol for anything that isn't state work," Prime Minister Hun Sen said in a speech on national radio, adding some officials used state vehicles to drive their families around on weekends.
"If we don't save petrol, we will face difficulties because of increasing world oil prices."
Most officials, from ministers to lowly bureaucrats, receive vehicle and fuel allowances that cost the government tens of thousands of dollars each month.
"We would not die if we couldn't use a car," Hun Sen said, adding that the size of his own official convoy had been slashed to help government save on petrol. He did not say what the penalty would be for officials who failed to heed the new ban.
Crude oil hit a record US$100 ($145) per barrel on Wednesday.The state does not subsidise fuel prices in impoverished Cambodia, where pump prices are at record highs of almost US$1.15 per litre.
The spiralling cost of fuel has helped to drive up prices generally but has done little to curb enthusiasm among the better off for driving big vehicles in Cambodia. Luxury sports utility vehicles continue to clog Phnom Penh.
Many have green government registration plates and are often seen speeding around the capital after dark and on weekends loaded up with family members and picnic coolers.
AFP
"Do not use petrol for anything that isn't state work," Prime Minister Hun Sen said in a speech on national radio, adding some officials used state vehicles to drive their families around on weekends.
"If we don't save petrol, we will face difficulties because of increasing world oil prices."
Most officials, from ministers to lowly bureaucrats, receive vehicle and fuel allowances that cost the government tens of thousands of dollars each month.
"We would not die if we couldn't use a car," Hun Sen said, adding that the size of his own official convoy had been slashed to help government save on petrol. He did not say what the penalty would be for officials who failed to heed the new ban.
Crude oil hit a record US$100 ($145) per barrel on Wednesday.The state does not subsidise fuel prices in impoverished Cambodia, where pump prices are at record highs of almost US$1.15 per litre.
The spiralling cost of fuel has helped to drive up prices generally but has done little to curb enthusiasm among the better off for driving big vehicles in Cambodia. Luxury sports utility vehicles continue to clog Phnom Penh.
Many have green government registration plates and are often seen speeding around the capital after dark and on weekends loaded up with family members and picnic coolers.
AFP
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