Postage rates will go up by about 10 percent from September 26.

Sending a local letter weighing 30 grams or less will cost HK$2.20, up from HK$2 currently. Letters by air mail weighing 20 grams or less to the mainland and Taiwan will go up from HK$3.40 to HK$3.70, while those to other places will be adjusted from HK$3.70-HK$5 to HK$4-HK$5.50.

Hongkong Post said there is a need to offset escalating operating costs amid severe market competition and wider use of electronic communication.

"With the development of information technology, electronic communication is replacing traditional correspondence while market competition from commercial delivery services is severe. These pose great challenges to Hongkong Post's business. Hongkong Post will continue with its efforts to generate revenue through business development and manage its costs with a view to providing affordable and quality postal services," the spokesperson said.

Postage rates last went up in January 2018.