Hong Kong drivers are increasingly crossing the border to mainland China to replenish their tanks, as authorities crack down on a case of an illegal filling operation amid the surge in global oil prices.
Motorists are exploring different ways to mitigate the rising fuel cost after the ongoing conflict in the Middle East pushed up oil prices.
Ringo Lee Yiu-pui, governor and honorary life president of the Hong Kong, China Automobile Association, on Thursday highlighted a sharp rise in local drivers crossing into the mainland to refuel due to the widening price gap.
Authorities raised mainland petrol and diesel prices by 695 and 670 yuan (US$101 and US$97.50) per tonne respectively from midnight on Tuesday – the fourth increase this year and the largest in recent years amid surging international oil prices.
“Even after a slight price increase on the mainland, fuel there remains roughly one-third the cost in Hong Kong. As a result, many private cars eligible under the northbound travel scheme, along with those holding cross-border licences, are heading to border points in Shenzhen and Zhuhai to refuel,” Lee said.
As of Thursday, petrol prices at stations in Shenzhen and Zhuhai ranged from around 7.66 to 10.29 yuan per litre for various options. They remained significantly lower than Hong Kong’s pump prices, which surpass HK$30 per litre for both petrol and diesel.
