Phnom Penh- Cambodian inflation was running at a record high of
22 percent for the year through July, Planning Minister Chhay Than said
Tuesday.

Than blamed the global rise in oil prices for the increase in the Consumer Price Index, which ended 2007 at 18.7 per cent.

"The Cambodian inflation rate is at a record high and most of that
rise can be blamed on global oil prices - completely out of the
government's control," Than said.

But he said Cambodia anticipated a reduction in oil costs in coming
months, and he hoped the inflation rate would fall in the fourth
quarter accordingly. (dpa)