Transport chief: monitoring ferry operations amidst rising fuel costs

The Transport and Logistics Bureau says it will continue to maintain close communication with various ferry operators. They will monitor their operational and financial conditions -- and also keep a close eye on potential pressures posed by oil prices.

In a written reply to a lawmaker's inquiry, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan says international crude oil prices continue to fluctuate, and the price of commercial diesel used by ferries has risen sharply since March. For operators, the average fuel cost per litre up to August this year stood at 7.6 dollars, which is over 2 dollars higher than last year.

Fuel expenses generally account for about 30 to 40% of total operating expenses, particularly for outlying island routes with longer journeys.

Chan says when the government will weigh various factors according to established mechanisms and comprehensively evaluate their operational status. Based on the department's observations, the fare and service adjustments implemented in April this year for six major outlying island routes have generally continued to meet residents' travel needs.