Fuel document postponed

The publication of a consultation document on the overdue liberalisation of the fuel market has been postponed after the Cabinet yesterday agreed to hold further discussions on the matter.

Sources told The Times the Cabinet had requested further clarification on the document, drawn up by the Malta Resources Authority, which falls under the wing of the Infrastructure Ministry.

The consultation document will inform stakeholders and the public of the proposed changes. It should also include the draft legislation that will provide the legal framework for liberalisation and the proposed licensing schemes and conditions.

In line with the EU's accession treaty, Enemalta's monopoly in the sector was meant to have been lifted by January 1, but at the eleventh hour the government announced it would be delaying the process.

The liberalisation is now expected to carried out in May.

As a result of liberalisation, owners of service stations will be able to import petrol, LRP and diesel. The European Commission is closely monitoring the situation.

The Commission has reminded the government of its obligation to abolish monopoly rights concerning the importation, stocks and wholesale of petroleum products.

The Commission has said it will take all the appropriate and necessary measures to ensure Malta respects its obligations under the Accession Treaty.