Gas consumption in Hong Kong stayed below the pre-pandemic level for a sixth straight year in 2024, with the supplier expecting the pattern to persist due to what economists said was a “structural decline” in usage linked to lifestyle changes, including increased travel to mainland China.

The city’s sole gas supplier, the Hong Kong and China Gas Company, better known as Towngas, also linked its forecast to the warm weather expected this year.

Professor Lee Shu-kam, the head of Shue Yan University’s department of economics and finance, pointed to “a structural decline in sales” of gas in the city.

“A very important factor is the poor economy. When there are fewer tourists, shops will use less [gas],” Lee said. “What’s more important is that after the pandemic, many people have shifted to consuming more on the mainland.”

For instance, those aged 60 or above can travel by rail free of charge in Shenzhen by presenting their Home Return Permits, passports or other identity documents issued by the local government, according to a website of the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau.

The waived transport fares were “very attractive” Lee said. “But when you are up there, you definitely need to have meals.”