Electricity bills, bus fares and public housing rents rise in Jan

Citizens will face increased costs for transportation and several public services as a number of fees are set to rise starting from January. 

That includes a nearly 1 percent rise in electricity bills, while some bus fares will raise up to 7.5 percent.

CLP Power anticipates that about 70 percent of residential users and half of commercial users will see their monthly electricity bills increase by no more than HK$5. 

HK Electric expects that over 80 percent of residential users and more than half of non-residential users will incur an additional monthly electricity cost of no more than HK$10.

Meanwhile, Citybus will raise ticket fares by 7.5 percent from January 5, while New Lantao Bus and KMB increase their fares by 6.5 percent and 4.3 percent, respectively.

The government stated that 80 percent of passengers are expected to pay no more than 50 HK cents extra per trip.

Furthermore, public housing rents will rise by 10 percent starting in January, following a three-month additional rent waived for tenants after the adjustment took effect in October.

The Housing Authority has also announced a modest rise in car park charges for all types of vehicles. 

The Passenger Security Charge collected by airlines on behalf of Hong Kong Airport will rise from HK$55 to HK$65, with a potential phased increase to HK$75 starting in 2027.

The government has also resumed the hotel accommodation tax at 3 percent, after its abolishment in 2008.