Setting the price of fuel at the pump (2)

The government announced an increase in excise duty on fuel at around 8 p.m. during the Budget speech on Monday. By 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Enemalta had raised its prices at the pump.

I can only assume that, in between, Enemalta had received a consignment of fuel, paid the additional duty, pumped it into its empty tanks, and distributed it to all petrol stations that had empty tanks ready for sale at the higher price.

How's that for efficiency? The government would do well to take a leaf out of Enemalta's books.

Now the above begs the question: Does the Budget cover the period January 1 to December 31, 2009? Wages, pensions, tax reductions and other benefits announced in the Budget all take effect on January 1, 2009. All taxes take effect immediately. When, oh when, will the people's intelligence stop being insulted. For heaven's sake just call them taxes and stop kidding us with environmental and energy saving gimmicks.