Cambodia Launches Cash Support Programme for 4.6 Million Amid Fuel Price Pressure

The Royal Government of Cambodia has launched a cash-support programme for poor, vulnerable and at-risk households affected by pressure from rising fuel and gas prices, with the first payment starting on Sept. 25, 2026. According to a government announcement, the programme is part of the Royal Government’s comprehensive intervention measures to respond to multiple crises and aims to ease the living-cost burden on vulnerable families while strengthening Cambodia’s social and economic resilience. The cash assistance will be provided in addition to other benefits already received by families holding valid Equity Cards and Vulnerable Family Cards. The programme is expected to cover approximately 4.6 million people nationwide. Each eligible household in Phnom Penh will receive 60,000 Riel (about 4,000 Riel equal to US$1) per payment, plus 5,000 Riel for each family member. Households in urban areas outside Phnom Penh will receive 48,000 Riel per payment, plus 5,000 Riel per member. Eligible rural households will receive 40,000 Riel per payment, together with an additional 5,000 Riel for each family member. The assistance will be provided in four instalments in 2026, scheduled for Sept. 25, Oct. 16, Nov. 16 and Dec. 16. Minister of Information H.E. Neth Pheaktra said the programme was introduced to continue easing the living-cost burden on poor, vulnerable and at-risk families affected by the multiple crises facing Cambodia, particularly pressure from fuel and gas prices. The Ministry of Planning has completed the updated list of eligible households, while the National Social Assistance Fund has arranged the payments according to the announced schedule. Eligible families can collect the first instalment through WING agents nationwide from Sept. 25. For further information, citizens can contact their commune or Sangkat authorities or the National Social Assistance Fund via 015 219 888 or 092 219 888. The Royal Government said it would continue monitoring and assessing the situation and stand ready to introduce additional support measures when necessary, in line with its principle of “leaving no citizen behind” and its social protection framework for responding to emergencies. By C. Nika