Energy minister denies misleading parliament

Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi denied misleading parliament, insisting that he never interfered with negotiations carried out by Enemalta in the hedging and procurement of fuel.

Mizzi was replying to questions by PN deputy leader Mario de Marco, who said the Minister misled parliament when he denied interference.

“I did not mislead  parliament because I only gave direction to Enemalta to remain in the market and broaden their supplier chain. The prices were not good enough and they would have increase by 2c,” Mizzi said.

The minister said he intervened with the chairman, insisting that Enemalta should remain in the market. The chairman said the targets were not being met.

“We talked again and discussed the option of including SOCAR. My intervention was related to adding SOCAR to the suppliers’ list,” Mizzi said, adding that the government already had a relationship with the Azeri company, which will supply Malta with LNG as part of the ElectroGas consortium.  

He added that there was also a discussion at government level between Malta and Azerbaijan as Malta seeks to widen its energy sector.

Mizzi said that the risk management committee set its target after receiving direction against increasing fuel prices.

The minister added that, contrary to the previous administration, his direction had been minuted.