Hong Kong authorities have been urged to review the pricing mechanism for local fuel supplies after petrol retailers were accused of swiftly raising prices as conflict erupted in the Middle East, even though the city had not yet exhausted its weeks-long stockpile.
Global fuel prices have soared since the US-Israel war with Iran broke out, disrupting traffic along the Strait of Hormuz – the key waterway that handles about 20 per cent of the world’s oil shipments.
The Hong Kong, China Automobile Association criticised what it described as “unfair” price increases for fuel in the city, arguing that the petrol currently on sale would have been bought before the outbreak of the conflict.
Petrol prices in South Africa will increase by 14% and diesel by nearly 24% from Wednesday, 6 May, due to the ongoing Iran war. The Department of Mineral Resources and Petroleum (DMPR) announced the hikes amid rising global Brent crude prices. Temporary fuel levy reductions offer some relief.
Fuel prices in the Philippines are set to surge next week due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, according to the Department of Energy. Minimum increases are estimated at P19 per liter for diesel, P9 for gasoline, and P31 for kerosene, though diesel could reach P90 per liter without staggered hikes. The DOE has warned against hoarding and price manipulation.
Gasoline and diesel prices rose moderately in South Korea on Sunday as the government considers adopting a price cap system amid concerns over rising energy prices due to the escalating Middle East conflict. According to the Korea National Oil Corp., the nationwide average gasoline price reached 1,893.3 won ($1.27) per liter, up 3.9 won from the previous day, while diesel increased 4.8 won to 1,915.4 won per liter.