An industry leader and a lawmaker have called for subsidies for small and medium-sized enterprises after fuel surcharges imposed by Hong Kong’s two power suppliers rose by nearly 80 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively, since March, amid the Middle East conflict.
HK Electric, which supplies electricity mainly to Hong Kong Island and Lamma Island, announced that its fuel clause charge would rise by 5.9 per cent from last month to 60.7 HK cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in September.
The increase marks the fourth consecutive monthly rise since May. The charge has jumped by about 1.3 times from 26 cents per kWh three months ago, representing a 78.5 per cent increase since March.
CLP Power, which serves customers in Kowloon, the New Territories, Lantau and other outlying islands, also announced on Tuesday a fuel cost increase to 45.1 cents per unit in September. Its surcharge has risen by 15 per cent since March, from 39.2 cents per unit, and has increased for six consecutive months.
Pamela Mak Mei-yee, honorary president of the Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises Association, said electricity costs were inevitable for every shop owner, even if they were not always the largest expense.
“Once costs keep rising, and merchants find it difficult to fully pass the increase on to customers, profits will naturally be squeezed further,” she said.
