KLN Logistics has told HKFP that a vehicle with the firm’s logo, which was seen filling up at an alleged illegal fuel station in Kwai Chung last week, was operated by a subcontractor.
A HKFP reader spotted the truck driver refueling on Kwai Wo Road at around 10.30am on Thursday and shared photos of the incident.
In response to HKFP’s query, a spokesperson for KLN Logistics – formerly known as Kerry Logistics – said on Friday that “it was confirmed after our investigation that the truck pictured was being driven by a subcontractor”.
The spokesperson added, “As we understand, the subcontractor in question has already filed reports with the relevant law enforcement authorities regarding the incident. If requested, KLN will fully cooperate with the authorities’ investigation, but in the meantime, we are unable to disclose further details.”
The incident in Kwai Chung came weeks after authorities launched a crackdown on illegal fuel amid high petrol prices due to the war in the Middle East.
According to in a press release from the Customs and Excise Department on Wednesday, law enforcement organized a joint operation across the territory codenamed “Knockout” targeting illegal fuel activities from April 13 to 30.
Officers from Customs, FSD (Fire Services Department) and Police uncovered 19 related cases and seized more than 21,000 liters of illegal fuel, 15 vehicles and a speedboat with a market value of approximately $3.3 million. A total of 27 people were arrested,” the announcement states.
The operation shut down “five illegal mobile petrol stations in Lok Fu, Kowloon Bay, Wong Tai Sin, Kai Tak and Tsing Yi”, he added.
Thursday, HK01 reported at several illegal fuel sites in Kwai Chung, with a number of prosecutions underway.
HKFP has contacted customs and the police for comment.
Rising fuel costs
The standard price of unleaded petrol as of Monday is HK$32.54 per litre, according to in the Consumer Council.
See also: Hong Kong sees ‘sharp increase’ in illegal fuel trading amid rising oil prices
Hong Kong has the highest petrol prices in the world, according to for globalpetrolprices.com statistics of March 30, causing illegal makeshift fuel stations.
Last month, Hong Kong subsidies imposed on public and commercial diesel vehicleswhile fuel costs rose worldwide due to the US and Israel’s war against Iran and the blockade of the shipping lane in the Strait of Hormuz.
Under the Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109), offenses relating to the handling, possession, sale or purchase of illegal motor spirit carry a maximum fine of HK$1 million and imprisonment for two years.
It is also an offense under the Fire Services (Reduction of Fire Risk) Regulations (Cap 95F) to possess or control any controlled substance for the purpose of business to transfer it into the fuel tanks of vehicles. Repeat offenders face fines of up to HK$200,000 and one year in prison.
Meanwhile, smugglers face a maximum fine of HK$2 million and seven years in prison.
