Hong Kong authorities have launched 18 joint operations this year against illicit refuelling stations amid an ongoing oil crisis triggered by the US-Israel war with Iran. Customs chief Chan Tsz-tat noted the practice has become more common in urban areas following a surge in complaints earlier this year, though it remains not widespread locally.
Hong Kong authorities have launched 18 joint operations against illicit refuelling stations in 2026, as high energy prices persist. Customs chief Chan Tsz-tat said on Saturday that illegal refuelling has grown more common in urban areas, following a 42 per cent rise in complaints reported by the Fire Services Department in January and February.
"The cost of owning a private vehicle in Hong Kong is very high, and petrol prices here are undoubtedly among the highest in the region," Chan said. "For many drivers, the savings from using illicit fuel may not make up a significant portion of their overall expenses."
The Brent crude benchmark reached US$105 per barrel on Saturday, up from around US$70 in February amid the conflict's disruption of the Strait of Hormuz. Chan noted that despite the trend, such activities are not yet widespread locally.
These operations reflect authorities' intensified efforts against illegal refuelling linked to the crisis, building on earlier enforcement challenges with mobile stations.
