Hong Kong-Macau ferry fares to increase by up to 11% amid fuel costs surge

High fuel prices hit transport sector as TurboJet and Cotai Water Jet raise fares, while union says bus drivers face income losses amid service cuts

The two main ferry operators running daily services between Hong Kong and Macau will raise fares by up to 11 per cent amid surging fuel prices, while a union said bus drivers were reporting lost income as companies cut services.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Tuesday that the government would continue to monitor oil prices as it pressed ahead with measures set out earlier by the interdepartmental task force on fuel supply.

A day earlier, TurboJet and Cotai Water Jet said they would raise fares from April 25, with most standard tickets increasing by about 10 per cent.

TurboJet said that, in view of the “recent sharp surge in fuel prices” and “ever-rising operating costs,” its operating company, Shun Tak-China Travel Ship Management Limited, had received approval from the Macau government to increase prices.

“The fare adjustment, averaging about 10 per cent, aims to slightly alleviate pressure from rising costs,” it said.

From Saturday, a TurboJet weekday economy-class ticket between Hong Kong and Macau will rise from HK$175 to HK$194 (US$22 to US$25), an increase of about 10.9 per cent.