Strait of Hormuz disruption underscores urgency of energy diversification: Cambodia Energy Minister
By Vishu Adhana, New Delhi, April 29
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered widespread disruption in global energy markets, with countries across regions witnessing rising fuel prices and supply stress, Cambodia's Energy Minister Keo Rottanak said on Wednesday, underlining the need for diversified energy sources and faster transition to renewables.
Speaking exclusively to ANI, Rottanak said the impact of the disruption is global in nature, affecting both developed and developing economies alike. "It is extremely difficult to point to a country that has not been impacted. Even the United States has seen a rise in fuel prices, and countries like India, Cambodia and ASEAN members are particularly vulnerable due to dependence on imported oil and gas," he said.
He noted that nearly 20 per cent of global oil and gas supply passes through the critical maritime route, making any disruption a significant threat to energy security worldwide.
Highlighting India's strategy, the Cambodian minister said diversification of energy imports and a strong push towards renewable energy have helped cushion the impact. "India's success in diversifying sources and investing in renewables, much like Cambodia, has helped mitigate the disruption. Without that, the impact would have been far more severe," he said.
Rottanak stressed that the ongoing crisis reinforces the importance of renewable energy in ensuring long-term resilience. "This is a validation that renewable energy is key to energy security and resilience," he added.
On immediate measures, he said Cambodia has prioritised ensuring fuel availability despite tighter global supply conditions. The government has also introduced measures such as reducing import duties on petroleum products and promoting alternatives like electric vehicles and induction cookstoves to reduce dependence on LPG.
He further emphasised the importance of maintaining public trust through transparent pricing mechanisms. "It is critical that people understand price increases are due to global supply tightening, not market manipulation. Transparency is key to avoiding panic," he said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see Cambodia and India working together on energy diversification. But the government should also focus on reducing our overall energy consumption. We waste so much in urban areas. 😔
Exactly why we need Chabahar port and more direct ties with Central Asia. Diversifying import routes is as important as diversifying sources. The minister is right—transparency in pricing will build trust.
While renewables are great, we must not ignore nuclear energy. It's reliable and can provide base-load power. India has the technology—let's use it wisely. Also, reduce import duties on EVs further! 🚗⚡
Disruption in Hormuz is a wake-up call. India should fast-track energy storage solutions like battery parks and pumped hydro. Solar is great, but without storage, we're still dependent on grid stability.
I appreciate the minister's honesty about transparent pricing. People panic when they don't understand why prices rise. Government needs to do more public awareness campaigns about global oil markets and our energy strategy.
Good move by Cambodia to promote induction cookstoves. India should do the same—reduce LPG subsidy gradually and push for electric cooking. Our dependence on imported gas is a national security risk.
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