Labour complains of ‘lack of transparency’ in government over gas price increase

Labour speaker for Transport and Resources Joe Mizzi and Labour MP Marlene Pullicino decried the “lack of transparency” within government and the Resources Authority over the decision to increase gas prices again.

1 September 2010, 12:00am
by Martina Said

1 min read

The Labour MPs said that increasing gas prices every month is causing problems to families as well as shop owners. "Owners will be given no alternative but to increase their own prices, ultimately affecting Maltese consumers," they said.

Mizzi and Pullicino said the gas price increase will encourage shop owners to store as many gas tanks as possible as a provision, causing safety problems. “Owners will do this as a means of avoiding being affected by increase in prices from month to month, which ultimately put a strain on the purchasing power of families and businesses alike,” they said.

The Labour party requested an explanation from government two months ago on why gas prices locally are rising faster than those of other European countries, but failed to receive an answer, they said.

“This attitude continues to confirm the lack of transparency within government and within the Resources Authority,” Mizzi and Pullicino said.

Liquigas announced the LPG/propane price changes yesterday, which came into effect today. A 10kg gas cylinder has increased by €0.20; a 12kg and 15kg gas cylinder increased by €0.30 and a 25kg gas cylinder increased by €0.50.