As Hong Kong transitions from its outdated communist monetary system to a more market-based style, the prices of virtually all goods and services have been unrestricted by of the government and allowed them to float freely in the market. One of the few omissions in this vital transformation was the price of fuel. The government not only controls the price of fuel, but also punishes anyone who sells gas above the price cap. This cheap gas promotes its use at a time when consumption should be limited. Oil prices have reached record levels everywhere, yet Hong Kong is just starting to consume gas and oil at incredible levels. Vehicle use in Hong Kong is putting a strain on the ecosystem, as more and more people own cars but continue to use low-quality gas. Air pollution is largely due to car exhaust fumes. Among others, vehicles using diesel generate the greatest amount of exhaust gases. This is because combustion will not always be finalized in diesel car engines. Therefore, they produce many toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen monoxide, especially lead, among others, which harm the brain development of children, seriously affecting their well-being. Furthermore, vehicles release suspended particles that damage the respiratory system. The air quality in Hong Kong is so poor that the air pollution index has reached 140