Opposition lambasted for ‘misleading consumers’ over fuel price hikes

The Ministry for the Energy has lambasted the Opposition for "misleading consumers" over the changes in the fuel prices.

The Opposition's spokesperson for energy, George Pullicino, has published data on fuel prices showing up to 25% price increases in gasoil for heating, since January 2011. The ministry however insisted that Pullicino failed to present data which would have shown that the price of fuel increased on a monthly basis under a Nationalist administration.

According to the ministry, the Opposition was making comparisons as it suited it. "A full publication of data would reveal that, in the majority of cases under the previous administration, the price of fuel and LPG increased on a monthly basis," it said, adding that there had been months where unleaded rose to €1.54 compared to this month's €1.44.

The price of diesel, today €1.36, had hit €1.40 whereas LPG prices had reached €20.60 in December 2012.

"This data reveals how hypocritical the Opposition is being in its attempts to play down this government's efforts to stabilise prices."

Change in fuel prices

*Prices would have gone up by 2c in November 2012 if Budget 2013 had been approved. Prices ubsequently increased in April when the budget was approved.

Change in LPG prices