Because Cambodia imports almost all of its oil, gasoline is more expensive there than anywhere else in South-East Asia.You might start feeling a slight panic if your vehicle is running low on fuel, because there are a precious few gas stations around.
To answering consumer needs, informal entrepreneurs started smuggling gasoline from Vietnam—where gas is much cheaper—and illegally reselling it in Cambodia.
To maximize profit and maintain steady local prices, the fuel sold at these roadside stalls are almost always mixed with water or cooking oil. Sometimes the fuel is so watered down that it is almost safe to drink—although it is not advisable!
The gasoline smuggling trade has turned into a booming industry and in March 2011 alone, Vietnamese officials seized 520,000 tonnes of gasoline. Smugglers still find ways around the law, outrunning law enforcement with speedboats and bribing border guards.
Due to the adulterated nature of the gasoline, one does not get very far before having to refill. But for many living in Cambodia, the lower prices make it so they can both eat and buy gas—so they seem willing to take the gamble.
