The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Housing Authority:
 
     In response to the competition-related advice provided by the Competition Commission (Commission) to the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) on the arrangements for the supply of centralised Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to 15 public rental housing (PRH) estates, a spokesman for the HA responded as follows today (September 8):
 
     According to the current policy, the HA will renew the contract, upon its expiry, with the existing supplier for the supply of centralised LPG for PRH estates if the supplier’s performance has been satisfactory during the contract period. Regarding this current renewal arrangement, there have been different views in the community. In this connection, the Housing Department (HD) explained the HA’s position in a submission (CB(4)1138/15-16(04)) to the Legislative Council Panel on Economic Development meeting held on June 27, 2016. It also indicated that we were studying the latest market situation and experiences of private residential developments, so as to consider if the related policies should be revised.
 
     We have already started liaison with LPG suppliers to collate the relevant information, such as the practical implications on residents arising from a change in the supplier, so as to review the current policies and arrangements.
 
     The next centralised LPG supply contract will not expire until a few months from now. We will take the opportunity to study and consider the Commission’s advice and other relevant information in detail, and will further consult the Commission where necessary, in order to facilitate a more comprehensive review of the related policies and arrangements.

Ends/Thursday, September 8, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:00

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