Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive Donald Tsang said here Monday that he was concerned about the impact of rising fuel costs on the society, vowing to explore ways to enhance transparency in fuel prices.

Speaking to reporters after his Mei Foo Sun Chuen visit on Monday, Tsang said liquefied-petroleum gas prices at various filling stations are different and better price transparency is needed to improve consumer choice.

Tsang said he understood the transport trade's concern about the rising fuel prices, adding the HKSAR government does not have the power to dictate the retail prices of vehicular fuel in a free market economy.

"But we will work to ensure a stable fuel supply, enhance price- setting transparency and maintain market openness," Tsang noted.

He also hailed the Consumer Council's recent surveys on consumer goods prices, noting the move can help consumers make better choices.

(Xinhua News Agency July 1, 2008)