Pharmacy representatives have warned that ongoing tensions in the Middle East—driving up international oil prices—may soon lead to higher prices for consumer goods in Hong Kong. Despite these concerns, a visit by a Singtao Headline reporter to pharmacies in Tseung Kwan O revealed that most frontline retailers remain unaware of any impending price hikes.
Lam Wai-man, chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Pharmacy, explained that the recent geopolitical instability has already pushed up fuel prices. As transportation costs are closely linked to oil prices, he warned, the industry will likely feel the effects directly.
He pointed out that bulky, low-margin products such as toilet paper and facial tissues are particularly vulnerable, since transportation makes up a significant portion of their costs. With oil prices on the rise, transport expenses have increased, and consumers could see prices for these items jump by as much as 20 percent, which is around a HK$4 rise in the price of toilet paper.
Lam also noted that petroleum by-products like dish soap could face similar price pressures, although he said the impact would not be immediate.
He said that whether or not prices eventually rise depends on how the situation unfolds in the Middle East. If fuel prices stay high or continue to climb, and current inventories run low, merchants may have no choice but to increase prices. For now, however, most manufacturers and wholesalers are adopting a wait-and-see approach, wary of hurting sales.
Despite these industry concerns, the Singtao Headline reporter found that retailers in Tseung Kwan O had not yet received any notifications of price increases.
A pharmacy owner, surnamed Wong, said he had not received any notice of price hikes for toilet paper or tissues, noting that his products are sourced from mainland China. He believes any future price increases would not be related to the Middle East conflict.
He added that toilet paper prices tend to increase annually, suggesting that merchants often use various reasons as excuses for price hikes.
A pharmacy sales assistant, Chan, echoed this sentiment, saying he was unaware of any direct link between developments in Iran and price increases for toilet paper.
Local resident Ching expressed surprise at reports of possible price increases, saying he would not stock up on toilet paper in advance. He also expressed skepticism about the accuracy of the price-hike news.
Another resident, Lam, acknowledged that conflict often leads to higher prices and understands that increased transport costs can drive up household expenses. However, she emphasized that price increases are not always directly caused by war, and said she would not stockpile household goods for that reason alone.
