Experts predict HK residents may face higher electricity bills next month
發佈日期: 2026-03-09 19:51
TVB News
The war in the Middle East has disrupted crude oil supplies, pushing oil prices to a three-year high.
The surge in oil prices has also driven up natural gas costs, leading to an increase in fuel expenses.
Some experts predict that Hong Kong residents may face higher electricity bills next month.
Raging conflict in the Middle East is impacting regions as distant as Hong Kong.
Fighting has halted virtually all traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy chokepoint.
TVB news has kept a close watch on prices at this petrol station in Wan Chai for days.
Since the war broke out a week ago, the price for unleaded petrol per litre has grown by nearly a dollar.
This car owner complained that Hong Kong has the highest fuel prices in the world.
For those who drive for a living, the rising prices represent a heavier-than-usual financial burden.
"If there is no profit, I'd rather not do the job," this driver said.
The oil spike isn't just a headache for drivers, but every household in the city.
Hong Kong's electricity tariff is in two parts: the basic charge and the fuel clause adjustment.
Former member of the Energy Advisory Committee William Yu speculates electricity bills could rise as early as next month.
However, he said the scale of the increase depends on several factors, such as the duration of the war and the volume of remaining oil reserves.
Following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, both power companies in Hong Kong hiked their fuel prices.
Back then, for a three-person household consuming 275 units of electricity a month, that meant an extra 40 to 80 dollars.
Yu believes the hit could be harder this time.
He explains that the scope of impact is larger as natural gas facilities are at stake while a larger geographical area is affected.
He believes this crisis is a wake-up call for energy security, prompting everyone to figure out ways to keep supplies stable.
HK Electric relies heavily on natural gas, with 12 percent coming from Qatar.
The utility provider states it is monitoring global energy markets and will continue to procure fuel prudently.
Meanwhile, the CLP notes that its fuel mix is diversified, including coal and renewable energy.
It maintains that the Middle East situation has not yet significantly impacted electricity prices, but the company will closely monitor the development and try to lessen the financial impact on consumers.
