Hong Kong Drivers Keep Refueling in Mainland Amid Persistent High Oil Prices

Hong Kong private‑car owners and transport firms have made weekly trips to the mainland to fill up, a habit that industry leaders say will likely continue even if Hong Kong fuel prices fall. Lee Yiu‑Pui, honorary president of the Hong Kong Automobile Association, noted that drivers combine cheaper mainland fuel with weekend leisure trips, making the practice hard to reverse. Jiang Zhiwei, chairman of the Hong Kong–Mainland Freight Union, added that after the Israel‑Iran conflict drove Hong Kong fuel prices above mainland levels, most logistics companies now refuel in the mainland to cut costs.

Since the war began, Hong Kong diesel and gasoline prices have risen sharply—up to about 80 % compared with pre‑conflict levels. Mainland 92‑octane gasoline now sells for ¥7.14‑¥7.20 per litre and 95‑octane for ¥7.85‑¥7.90, while Hong Kong retail prices for unleaded, premium unleaded and diesel sit around HK$32.1, HK$33.6 and HK$35 per litre respectively. The government’s temporary subsidies—a HK$3 per litre diesel rebate, a 50 % tunnel‑fee discount for commercial vehicles, and a HK$0.5 per litre LPG rebate—expired between late July and early August. Lawmakers and industry groups are urging the administration to re‑introduce emergency measures, such as fuel tax relief or further subsidies, as fuel costs continue to strain the transport and fishing sectors.