Government defends gas division liberalisation move

The government yesterday underscored the importance of liberalising the gas-bottling market.

Reacting to comments by the Labour Party on the issue, the government said it believes in an open market, whereby the price is regulated through competition.

Gasco's taking over of Enemalta's gas division will not hinder other interested parties from entering the market, the government said. One must not forget that a regulator will be appointed in order to ensure companies do not operate to the detriment of the consumer, it said. The MLP is arguing that the privatisation of Enemalta's gas division ignored the needs of the consumer.