Survey Finds 98% of Commercial Drivers Face Rising Fuel Costs; 25% Consider Quitting
On.cc · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A recent survey conducted by the Tuen Yuen Tin District North District Livelihood Promotion Group has highlighted the growing financial strain on Hong Kong's commercial vehicle drivers. The survey, which collected responses from 482 drivers, found that nearly all participants (98.3%) reported increased fuel costs since the government discontinued its fuel subsidy programme in June. With diesel prices remaining high, drivers are adopting desperate coping strategies, including working longer hours and reducing essential expenses. The survey's findings have reignited calls for government intervention to support an industry essential to Hong Kong's logistics and transportation sectors.
Key Points
- Survey collected 482 responses from commercial vehicle drivers including light goods vans, medium trucks, chartered minibuses, tourist buses, and taxis
- 98.3% of respondents reported increased monthly fuel expenses, with 67.4% seeing increases exceeding HK$3,000
- 6.8% of drivers reported monthly fuel cost increases surpassing HK$10,000, representing a significant financial burden
- 65.4% of drivers plan to work longer hours or take more orders to cope with rising costs
- 25.3% of respondents said they have considered suspending operations, changing careers, or selling their vehicles
- Light goods van drivers comprise 85.5% of respondents, while 97.9% drove diesel-powered vehicles
- Government stopped the fuel subsidy scheme in June, with electric commercial vehicle trials also ending on April 1 last year
- The Livelihood Promotion Group has proposed four measures including restoring fuel relief, providing tunnel and license fee waivers, and accelerating EV charging infrastructure
Why It Matters
The survey underscores a growing crisis affecting Hong Kong's vital transportation and logistics workforce, whose ability to sustain operations directly impacts supply chains and daily commerce across the city. As drivers contemplate leaving the industry, the government faces mounting pressure to balance long-term green transition goals with immediate financial relief for thousands of working families dependent on commercial driving .
The survey underscores a growing crisis affecting Hong Kong's vital transportation and logistics workforce, whose ability to sustain operations directly impacts supply chains and daily commerce across the city. As drivers contemplate leaving the industry, the government faces mounting pressure to balance long-term green transition goals with immediate financial relief for thousands of working families dependent on commercial driving .