Lawmakers and drivers accuse oil companies of pre-subsidy price hikes
發佈日期: 2026-05-20 22:30
TVB News
It has been nearly one month since the government launched its diesel subsidy scheme for commercial vehicles.
But some from the transport sector say oil companies raised prices before the scheme took effect, reducing the effect of the subsidy for end users.
Samantha Li has the story.
The government announced subsidising diesel prices by 3 dollars per litre on April 10th.
On that day, a petrol station in Wan Chai listed diesel at 34 dollars 97 cents per litre.
On April 30, when the subsidy went into effect, diesel retail price had gone up by 2 dollars.
After more than half a month of subsidies, the latest price stands at 36 dollars 77 cents per litre.
According to the Consumer Council, the price of Brent crude oil was 6 dollars 18 cents per litre when the subsidy was first announced. On that day, local petrol stations charged between 21 dollars 97 cents and 32 dollars 97 cents per litre after discounts.
Even though crude prices dropped over the following days, local petrol stations maintained their original price levels, with some even increasing them slightly.
Reviewing recent receipts, this resident pointed out that oil companies quietly raised prices bit by bit.
A coach company questioned whether oil companies raised prices before the government implemented the subsidy scheme.
As a result, commercial drivers can only get less than half of the subsidy.
Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said the government has set up a platform that require oil companies to disclose their retail prices regularly.
Meanwhile, some local airlines have adjusted fuel surcharges multiple times.
The transport chief said she had met with airlines to urge them to strengthen communication with the air cargo industry.
Mable Chan said, "In response to the recent downward adjustment in fuel prices, local airlines have correspondingly lower their cargo fuel surcharges, demonstrating that the existing mechanism provides sufficient flexibility for local airlines to make appropriate adjustment according to market conditions."
