In a groundbreaking initiative for the Kingdom’s energy sector, Chinese firm Guanzun Energy Investment Co., Ltd. is set to build Cambodia’s first and largest oil refinery in Kampot province. The milestone project, valued at up to USD 3.5 billion, was officially announced by the Kampot provincial administration and covered by Cambodian national television.
Covering a vast area of 234 hectares, the refinery is designed to process up to 10 million tons of oil annually. To bring this large-scale project to life, Guanzun Energy has partnered with several major Chinese enterprises, including Sinopec Second Construction Group Co., Ltd., China Railway Port and Navigation Bureau, and Shanxi Construction Investment Co., Ltd.
Qiao Guanjun, Chairman of Guanzun Energy, underscored the project’s pivotal role in strengthening Cambodia’s energy sector. The refinery will be developed in two phases, each expected to take about 18 months. The first phase, with an estimated investment of USD 2.6 billion, will establish refining capacity for 5 million tons of oil per year. Details regarding the second phase—also expected to add 5 million tons in capacity—are still pending.
Beyond its scale and investment value, the refinery will introduce advanced automation and energy technologies from China, elevating Cambodia’s industrial capacity. The project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities for locals and contribute to national energy security by reducing reliance on imported refined fuels.
As Cambodia embarks on this transformative journey, the collaboration between Cambodian and Chinese companies signals a new era in national infrastructure development and positions the Kingdom as an emerging player on the global energy map.
The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) has long championed the need for domestic refining capabilities to support fuel security. Minister Keo Rattanak, speaking at the ministry’s annual meeting, highlighted plans to back domestic petroleum refining as part of a broader strategy to build strategic fuel reserves.
“In the near future, the ministry plans to support domestic petroleum refining projects to build strategic reserves, even though Cambodia’s oil market remains relatively small,” he said.
The MME is also intensifying its focus on safety standards across the petroleum supply chain—from transportation and storage to distribution and usage—ensuring that the refining industry is developed responsibly.
According to official forecasts, national demand for petroleum products is projected to grow from 2.8 million tons in 2020 to 4.8 million tons by 2030. The Kampot refinery is poised to meet this rising demand while boosting the country’s capacity for energy self-reliance.
This landmark project reflects growing investor confidence in Cambodia and reinforces the Kingdom’s long-term vision for economic growth, infrastructure development, and energy independence.
