Fuel station miscalculated subsidies by MOP30,000, gov’t reveals

[Photo: Ricaela Diputado]

Authorities have revealed that a fuel station miscalculated government subsidies, resulting in a discrepancy of about MOP 30,000 after a billing system error affected pricing at the pump.

The disclosure came in response to a legislative inquiry on fuel price supervision, alongside renewed government assurances that it will continue monitoring fuel prices and urging the industry to maintain stable supply and pricing.

Authorities have announced that under the government’s temporary fuel subsidy scheme – a package of measures intended to offset persistent price increases caused by geopolitical tensions and provide short-term relief – Shell has been found to have miscalculated fuel subsidies.

Between May 26 and June 4, a billing system error meant customer discounts were not first deducted from retail prices before applying government subsidies, as contractually required, resulting in a total discrepancy of about MOP30,000. Motorcycles were overcharged MOP0.4 to MOP0.7 per transaction, while private cars were overcharged MOP2 to MOP5.

Authorities added that Shell has corrected the system error and, as required by the Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT), has implemented measures to refund the overcharged difference.

Affected customers can claim the amount at its stations by presenting relevant notification messages, transaction receipts, electronic payment records, or by requesting a review of station footage. The company has also committed to providing additional compensation to affected customers.

The government is administering a two-month “Diesel Price Subsidy Scheme” from May 11 to July 10, offering a subsidy of MOP3.3 per liter to diesel consumers. Legislator Nick Lei has expressed concern about whether the authorities will activate a legally mandated investigation mechanism to safeguard consumer rights, given persistent public skepticism over fuel pricing.

In response, Yau Yun Wah, the DSEDT director, stated that the government’s fuel monitoring panel continues to monitor Macau’s fuel situation, track international developments and energy price trends, and maintain close communication with the fuel industry to promote price stability and ensure adequate supply.

He further observed that the Consumer Council (CC) has consistently operated within the powers conferred by the Consumer Rights and Interests Protection Law, safeguarding consumer interests in a lawful and appropriate manner.

A dedicated webpage that had previously provided the public with comprehensive fuel price information – including historical price trends and comparative data for similar fuel products in neighboring regions – has since been discontinued. Authorities have indicated that they now regularly publish petroleum product import data on their official website.

Meanwhile, the CC has been posting the original listed prices and discounted prices of various brands of automotive unleaded gasoline and low-sulfur diesel, accompanied by regularly updated price trend charts, to assist the public in monitoring fuel price fluctuations.