GRTU shocked by fuel prices, considers action

The GRTU has written to organisations representing transport services in Malta for a meeting to discuss what action they can take after the latest increase in fuel prices.

Vince Farrugia, GRTU director-general , said the chamber over the past weeks had been lobbying the government over the already high cost of fuel, but that clearly had not been enough and the GRTU was therefore prepared to lead the other organisations should they decide to take further action.

He said the latest price increases, announced on Sunday were a shock.

“We had been lobbying hard for the government to seek methods to mitigate the fuel costs, which were having a direct impact on inflation. The least we had expected was a meeting to discuss the situation before the new prices were announced,” Mr Farrugia said.

“The government should reduce duty on fuel. There are eight EU countries which charge less tax than Malta.”

Such fuel prices had an impact across the economy because they affected everyone, particularly the transport and distribution sectors, as well as manufacturing, he said.