Hong Kong Authorities Conduct 18 Operations Against Illegal Refuelling Amid Global Energy Price Surge

Apr 25, 2026, 06:17

Introduction

Hong Kong customs officials have carried out 18 joint operations targeting illegal refuelling stations so far this year, in response to rising global energy costs. The Commissioner for Customs and Excise, Chan Tsz-tat, acknowledged an increase in such activities in urban areas but described the practice as not widespread.

Main Body

These enforcement actions, which Commissioner Chan described as part of a coordinated effort, reflect a trend of illegal refuelling becoming more common in densely populated districts. However, Chan emphasized that the phenomenon remains limited in scope. He attributed this to the high cost of private vehicle ownership in Hong Kong and the region's elevated petrol prices, which he noted are among the highest in the area. According to Chan, the potential savings from using illegal fuel represent only a small part of overall vehicle operating costs for most drivers, thereby reducing the incentive for widespread adoption. The global context for these operations involves a significant increase in energy prices since late February, following a military action by the United States and Israel against Iran. This event caused disruptions in crude oil supply chains, as both Tehran and Washington implemented a series of blockades of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical sea route connecting to the oil-rich Persian Gulf. As a result, the Brent crude benchmark rose to US$105 per barrel on the Saturday of the commissioner's statement, compared with approximately US$70 per barrel in February. These geopolitical developments have contributed to the surge in fuel costs, which in turn may influence the prevalence of illegal refuelling activities.

Conclusion

Hong Kong authorities continue to conduct enforcement operations against illegal refuelling stations, while the broader energy market remains affected by supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The commissioner's remarks suggest that, despite the upward trend, the practice has not become widespread in the territory.

Vocabulary Learning

attributed (v.)
ascribe / to say that something is caused by something else歸因於
Example:He attributed this to the high cost of private vehicle ownership.
disruptions (n.)
interruptions / to cause something to stop or be disturbed中斷；擾亂
Example:This event caused disruptions in crude oil supply chains.
implemented (v.)
carry out / to start using a plan or system實施；執行
Example:Both Tehran and Washington implemented a series of blockades of the Strait of Hormuz.
incentive (n.)
motivation / something that encourages a person to do something誘因；激勵
Example:The potential savings reduce the incentive for widespread adoption.
prevalence (n.)
commonness / the fact of being common or widespread普遍；流行
Example:These developments may influence the prevalence of illegal refuelling activities.

Sentence Learning

These enforcement actions, which Commissioner Chan described as part of a coordinated effort, reflect a trend of illegal refuelling becoming more common in densely populated districts.
Relative Clause This sentence uses a non-defining relative clause ('which Commissioner Chan described...') to add extra information about the enforcement actions without changing the main meaning. It helps organize the idea by providing context.關係從句 呢個句子使用非限制性關係從句（'which Commissioner Chan described...'）嚟補充關於執法行動嘅額外資訊，唔影響主要意思。佢有助於組織想法，提供背景。
He attributed this to the high cost of private vehicle ownership in Hong Kong and the region's elevated petrol prices, which he noted are among the highest in the area.
Relative Clause This sentence uses a non-defining relative clause ('which he noted are among the highest') to give additional details about the petrol prices. The clause is separated by commas and provides extra information.關係從句 呢個句子使用非限制性關係從句（'which he noted are among the highest'）嚟提供關於油價嘅額外細節。從句由逗號分隔，提供補充資訊。
Hong Kong authorities continue to conduct enforcement operations against illegal refuelling stations, while the broader energy market remains affected by supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Passive Voice This sentence uses the passive voice ('remains affected by' and 'caused by') to emphasize the energy market and the disruptions rather than the agent. It is common in formal reporting to focus on the action or result.被動語態 呢個句子使用被動語態（'remains affected by' 同 'caused by'）嚟強調能源市場同干擾，而唔係動作嘅執行者。喺正式報導中常見，用嚟聚焦於動作或結果。
The commissioner's remarks suggest that, despite the upward trend, the practice has not become widespread in the territory.
Contrast Linking Word This sentence uses 'despite' to show contrast between the upward trend and the fact that the practice is not widespread. It helps organize the idea by highlighting an unexpected outcome.對比連接詞 呢個句子使用'despite'嚟顯示上升趨勢同做法未普及之間嘅對比。佢有助於組織想法，突出一個出乎意料嘅結果。
As a result, the Brent crude benchmark rose to US$105 per barrel on the Saturday of the commissioner's statement, compared with approximately US$70 per barrel in February.
Cause/Result Linking Phrase This sentence uses 'As a result' to indicate a cause-and-effect relationship between the geopolitical events and the rise in oil prices. It helps structure the argument by showing consequences.因果連接短語 呢個句子使用'As a result'嚟指出地緣政治事件同油價上升之間嘅因果關係。佢有助於組織論點，展示後果。