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Smugglers Profit from Untaxed Petrol Amid Price Surge

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Illicit fuel stations in Hong Kong generate up to HK$10,000 daily by smuggling untaxed petrol from mainland China.
Operators transport fuel in enlarged tanks to car club members using coded messages.
Since late February, operations have risen as petrol prices rise after US-Israel strikes on Iran.
Law enforcement typically finds trucks with untaxed fuel and hidden filling stations in remote areas, profiting from the price gap.

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Story summary

Illicit fuel stations in Hong Kong generate up to HK$10,000 daily by smuggling untaxed petrol from mainland China.
Operators transport fuel in enlarged tanks to car club members using coded messages.
Since late February, operations have risen as petrol prices rise after US-Israel strikes on Iran.
Law enforcement typically finds trucks with untaxed fuel and hidden filling stations in remote areas, profiting from the price gap.