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# It's time for Hong Kong bus companies to ditch diesel
- URL: https://larrysalibra.com/its-time-for-hong-kong-bus-companies-to-ditch-diesel/
- Published: 2026-10-14T06:59:36.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-14T06:59:36.000Z
- Author: Larry Salibra
- Tags: hong kong, day-97, daily

The SCMP [writes](https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3370836/hong-kong-bus-operators-seek-fare-hikes-177-amid-fuel-price-surge?ref=larrysalibra.com):

> Four Hong Kong franchised bus operators have applied to raise fares by up to 17.7 per cent, citing “significant financial pressure” from soaring fuel prices driven by the Middle East conflict.

> The bureau said the sharp rise in diesel pump prices triggered by the Middle East conflict had imposed an additional burden on the operators, creating “significant financial pressure and operational difficulties”.

> It noted that the four companies’ fuel purchase prices jumped by about 75 to 134 per cent in March compared with January, pushing fuel expenditure up by 85 to 132 per cent over the same period.

It is absolutely ridiculous that Hong Kong franchised bus operators are not further along on the path to switching to electric buses. They are one of the largest causes of localized air and noise pollution in the city and, as we now see, they make our transport system much more exposed to geopolitical instability. 

As long as they can pass on increased fuel-related operating costs to a largely captive public, their incentive to make the investment is low.