Illicit refuelling stations on the rise in Hong Kong, authorities say, after crackdown nets HK$600,000 worth of diesel and tanks at 7 sites
- Diesel seized rose to 380,000 litres last year, up from 180,000 litres in 2021, says Raymond Wong, assistant division officer at Fire Services Department
- Industry insider blames uptick in trade on higher prices at authorised petrol stations
Illicit mobile refuelling stations have sprung across Hong Kong over the past two years as residents seek to dodge rising prices at the pump, authorities have said, after their latest crackdown netted HK$600,000 (US$76,400) worth of diesel and tanks at seven sites.
An industry insider blamed the uptick in the services on higher prices at authorised petrol stations, adding that diesel at the mobile stations cost at least half of that sold at legal ones.
Authorities on Monday and Tuesday cracked down on seven illicit refuelling stations in Lai Chi Kok, Cheung Sha Wan, Tuen Mun and Tsing Yi, impounding about 30,000 litres of diesel and five tanks, worth about HK$600,000.
The interdepartmental operation was part of regular city-wide spot checks for illegal refuelling.
Raymond Wong Wai-man, an assistant division officer at the Fire Services Department, said the amount of diesel seized had increased to 380,000 litres last year, up from 180,000 litres in 2021.