Cambodia's Government Launches Cash Assistance for Oil Price-Hit Families

Prime Minister Hun Manet's government has launched a cash assistance program for poor, vulnerable, and at-risk families in Cambodia affected by rising oil and gas prices. The initiative aims to alleviate the cost of living for these households during multiple crises facing the country, including shifts in global trade systems, geopolitical tensions, and acts of aggression against Cambodian sovereignty.

The cash distribution will begin today, September 25, 2026, and will be provided as an additional benefit on top of existing Equity Card benefits. The amount received will vary depending on the location: Phnom Penh residents will receive 60,000 Riel per family plus 5,000 Riel per family member, while rural residents will get 40,000 Riel per family and 5,000 Riel per family member.

The cash assistance program will be distributed in four rounds throughout 2026: September 25, October 16, November 16, and December 16. The government estimates that approximately 4.6 million individuals nationwide will benefit from the initiative, which prioritizes the well-being of citizens during emergencies.