Hong Kong and China Gas Company announced an increase in tariffs due to rising operational expenses and a labour shortage. About half of commercial and industrial customers are expected to pay less than HK$330 extra per month.
The company cited a need for substantial capital investment to maintain safe and reliable services and supply gas to newly developed areas. They also mentioned that some 43,000 families will be spared from the increase under concession schemes.
Towngas plans to raise its basic tariff by 1.3 HK cents per megajoule from August 1, equivalent to a 4.2% increase in the average effective gas tariff for 2023. They also announced that the basic tariff and monthly maintenance charge will not be adjusted for the next two years.
Legislator Kwok Wai-keung described the increase as moderate, considering recent costs. However, Simon Wong Ka-wo, president of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, noted that medium to large-sized restaurants may be heavily impacted.
With over 2 million customers in Hong Kong, Towngas is required to consult the government and brief relevant committees on tariff adjustments.
