Hong Kong taxis, minibuses to get 2-month LPG subsidy amid soaring fuel prices

Hong Kong announces two-month LPG subsidy for taxis and minibuses starting May, as diesel subsidy takes effect Thursday to ease soaring fuel costs. | Contesto: cronaca

Punti chiave

• Hong Kong taxis, minibuses to get 2-month LPG subsidy amid soaring fuel prices

Contesto

Hong Kong will introduce a two-month subsidy for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) used by taxis, minibuses and school buses starting in May, as soaring fuel prices continue to strain the transport sector. The measure, announced Wednesday by Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po, comes as a previously approved diesel subsidy is set to take effect on Thursday. The interdepartmental task force monitoring fuel price movements proposed a subsidy of 50 HK cents per litre of LPG for two months, beginning in May, to alleviate operational pressure on drivers and operators. Chan said the subsidy aims to offset the sharp rise in global energy costs, which have pushed up LPG prices at local pumps, affecting thousands of taxi and minibus drivers who rely on the fuel for daily operations. This latest relief follows a broader pattern of government intervention in Hong Kong’s fuel market amid global supply disruptions and inflationary pressures. The diesel subsidy, originally announced earlier this year, will now take effect on Thursday, providing additional support to commercial vehicle operators. Together, the two subsidies represent a coordinated effort by authorities to stabilize operating costs for essential transport services, which have faced mounting financial challenges since the onset of the pandemic. The LPG subsidy is expected to benefit an estimated 18,000 taxis and over 6,000 public light buses, as well as school bus operators who use the fuel. Industry representatives have welcomed the move but cautioned that it may only provide temporary relief if global oil prices remain elevated. The Hong Kong Taxi and Public Light Bus Association had previously called for more substantial support, including direct fuel vouchers or reductions in license fees, to help drivers cope with rising costs. While the government has not announced any extension beyond the two-month period, Chan indicated that the task force would continue to monitor fuel price trends and assess the need for further measures. The subsidies come as Hong Kong’s economy shows signs of recovery, but transport operators remain vulnerable to external shocks, including fluctuations in international energy markets...

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Categoria: cronaca