Jump in illegal refuelling complaints as Hong Kong grapples with rising oil prices

South China Morning PostEN 2 min read 100% complete by Harvey KongMarch 13, 2026 at 06:54 AM

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Hong Kong is experiencing a surge in illegal refuelling operations due to rising fuel prices, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and disruptions to global oil supply. In the first two months of 2024, authorities received 221 complaints, a 42% increase over the 2023 monthly average. Prosecutions have also risen sharply, up 85% from last year. Illegal operators are using tactics like mobile refuelling points in cars and containers, making detection difficult. The Fire Services Department is actively combating these illicit activities, with a recent raid in To Kwa Wan resulting in an arrest and the seizure of 850 litres of petrol. The price of standard petrol in Hong Kong has reached HK$31.09 (US$3.97) per litre.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

To Kwa Wan 30% Consumer Council 40% Ng Wing-chit 40% Israel 50% United States 50% Iran 60% Strait of Hormuz 60% Fire Services Department 70% Hong Kong ×490%

Keywords

illegal refuelling 90% rising fuel prices 80% hong kong 70% petrol prices 70% oil prices 60% fire services department 60% mobile refuelling 50% illegal petrol stations 50% strait of hormuz 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative

Score: -0.30

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Source

South China Morning Post

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

Hong Kong

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis.

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illegal refuelling rising fuel prices hong kong petrol prices oil prices fire services department mobile refuelling illegal petrol stations strait of hormuz

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