‘Toughest stance’: Hong Kong launches 18 operations against illegal fuel stations

Hong Kong customs chief says 18 joint operations this year target illicit fuel stations as global energy costs drive urban spread, but illegal refuelling remains limited. | Contesto: cronaca

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• ‘Toughest stance’: Hong Kong launches 18 operations against illegal fuel stations

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Hong Kong authorities have conducted 18 joint operations this year targeting illegal refuelling stations, the city’s customs chief said on Saturday, as a global surge in energy prices pushes the practice into increasingly urban areas. Commissioner for Customs and Excise Chan Tsz-tat described the crackdown as the toughest stance yet against illicit fuel operations, but stressed that the problem remains contained despite a noticeable uptick in recent months. The operations, carried out in coordination with other government departments, have netted a range of makeshift refuelling points often hidden in industrial districts and residential car parks. The announcement comes amid a period of sustained high petrol prices in Hong Kong, where the cost of owning a private vehicle is among the highest in the world. Chan noted that while the number of illegal stations has grown, they still represent a small fraction of the overall fuel market. “The cost of owning a private vehicle in Hong Kong is very high, and petrol prices here are undoubtedly among the highest in the region,” he said. This economic pressure, combined with the convenience of unregulated suppliers, has created a niche but persistent black market for cheaper fuel. Illegal refuelling operations typically involve modified vans or containers equipped with pumps and tanks, offering petrol at discounts of 20 to 30 percent below legal stations. However, these setups pose significant safety risks, including fire hazards and environmental contamination from spills. Customs officials have warned that the fuel sold is often of unknown quality and may damage vehicle engines. The joint operations have involved raids, seizures of equipment, and arrests, though the commissioner declined to provide specific numbers during his remarks. The trend mirrors similar crackdowns in other major cities where high fuel taxes and rising global oil prices have incentivised illicit trade. Hong Kong’s unique geography and dense urban layout make it particularly vulnerable to such operations, which can be set up and dismantled quickly. Experts say the government faces a balancing act between enforcing the law and addressing the...

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Categoria: cronaca