Living in a city known for its high living expenses, Hong Kong citizens are again facing significant public service fee adjustments as prices are set to rise in 2026. This includes parking, healthcare, and education, except for a reduction in the electricity fee. These adjustments aim to reflect operational costs and manage demand but are expected to impact household budgets.
Also read: Hong Kong taxi drivers will be required to offer e-payment methods from April 2026
These 5 public services are raising their prices for 2026 in Hong Kong
Parking fines to rise to HKD 400, followed by increases in 19 other penalties
For motorists, penalties are rising substantially. Starting from January 1, 2026, the fine for illegal parking will increase by 25% from HKD 320 to HKD 400.
Besides that, fines for the other 19 traffic-related offences, including speeding and disregarding red lights, will see an average increase of 50%, with new penalties set up to HKD 1,500 starting from the same day.
This is the first major adjustment for traffic offences after 31 years, aiming to strengthen the deterrent effect.
An HKD8 toll will be introduced for the Central Kowloon Bypass
The Yau Ma Tei section of Hong Kong’s Central Kowloon Bypass opened in December and has been operating without a toll this year. The new section managed to cut peak-hour travel time between West and East Kowloon from 30 minutes to just five, with eight bus routes to improve citizens’ travel experience.
However, an HKD8 toll will be introduced to the public after the entire route opens in 2026.
Also read | West Kowloon Guide: The Best Places To Eat, Drink, And Explore In The Cultural Neighbourhood
The government claimed that “the toll level will effectively divert about 20% of the overall traffic from saturated major roads in Kowloon, while reserving about 15% of spare capacity of the Central Kowloon Bypass to accommodate future traffic growth.” The adjustment will also recover 80% of the operation costs.
Accident and Emergency services to raise fees by 122%
Accessing the Accident and Emergency service will become more expensive from January 1, 2026, after the fee adjustments.
Under the new policy, only patients classified as critical or emergency, those facing a life-threatening condition, will receive free care. Those deemed urgent (e.g., fractures, deep cuts), semi-urgent (e.g., sprains, moderate fever), or non-urgent (e.g., colds, minor rashes) will receive a charge of HKD 400, compared with the current HKD 180 fee. Moreover, people who left the A&E department while leaving before the consultation will still need to pay HKD 50 for triage and nursing procedures, even if they applied to have their initial fee refunded.
There are revisions for other medical fees. Standard charges at public General Outpatient Clinics for procedures like dressings or injections will increase from HKD 19 to HKD 50. Daily public hospital in-patient charges will rise to HKD 300, and a visit to a specialist outpatient clinic will cost HKD 250.
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) exam fee increases to HKD 3,630
Students preparing for the 2026 Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) exam will face higher prices for this public service. The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) has confirmed a 4% fee hike. A candidate taking six subjects will pay a total of HKD 3,630, which is a HKD 140 increase from this year. Additionally, non-standard exam arrangements will require an application fee of HKD 2,000.
A reduction in electricity bills
The Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB), together with two power companies, announced tariff reductions for the upcoming year. CLP Power will lower its charge by 2.6%, while HK Electric will implement a 2.2% cut. The government estimates that it saves an average three-person household about HKD 10 per month.
The government has finalised a series of fee adjustments for public services, set to take effect in 2026. Share with your friends and family and stay informed.
This story first appeared here.
(Feature image credit: Ka Ho Ng/Unsplash)
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Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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