TNAG-0370-FCO40-416-Visit-of-Edward-Heath--UK-Prime-Minister--to-Hong-Kong--12-1-1973 — Page 51

CONFIDENTIAL

THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HER BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT

PMV(HK)(74)14

14th December 1973

COPY NO: 56

PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT TO HONG KONG

12TH-14TH JANUARY 1974

OIL SUPPLIES

Brief by Foreign and Commonwealth Office

BACKGROUND

1

Hong Kong faces a shortfall in the supply of fuel oil for the generation

of electricity (on which industry relies almost entirely), and of diesel oil for

public transport, both of which are crucial to the life and economy of the

Colony. Hong Kong is considering increasing its oil storage facilities but

a decision on this will take time to implement.

2

Fuel oil is supplied mainly by Singapore (58 per cent), Saudi Arabia

(24 per cent) and Kuwait (6 per cent). Light diesel oil comes largely from

Singapore (40 - 45 per cent), Iran (40 per cent) and the Philippines (10 per

cent).

1

CONFIDENTIAL