SHENZHEN: Hong Kong resident Chester Chin sometimes drives across the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) to fill up his tank.

“Petrol prices in Hong Kong are too high. I go wherever fuel is cheaper,” the 55-year-old told CNA.

Hong Kong petrol prices, among the highest in the world, have climbed above HK$30 (US$4) per litre in recent weeks - as global oil markets react to escalating tensions in the Middle East.

In mainland cities like Shenzhen, prices are around 8 to 9 yuan per litre (between US$1.2 to US$1.3) - roughly a third of the cost.

“Even after a slight price increase on the mainland, fuel there remains roughly one-third the cost in Hong Kong,” said Ringo Lee Yiu-pui, governor and honorary life president of the Hong Kong China Automobile Association.

Lee told local media outlets this week that there had been a noticeable rise in local drivers making regular trips up north specifically to refuel their tanks.

Chin said he spends more than HK$1,200 a week on petrol, adding that fuel across the border in mainland China is much cheaper. 

A 39-year-old Hong Kong permanent resident who asked to be identified only by his surname An, told CNA that he now avoids pumping petrol in the city altogether.

But he noted that making dedicated trips just to pump petrol may not always make financial sense.

Filling 40 litres of petrol in Hong Kong co...