Hong Kong’s commercial laundry operators at risk of closure as oil prices soar

Soaring fuel costs are threatening to shut down a third of Hong Kong’s laundry companies serving corporate clients, including hotels, hospitals and clubhouses. The price of industrial diesel known as “red diesel” has jumped over 190 per cent – from about HK$6 (80 US cents) to HK$17.50 (US$2.23) per litre between late February and early April 2026. Hong Kong Laundry Association chairman Lee Lam said on April 8 that some operators have been forced to reject new orders and freeze hiring.