The Opposition's spokesman on the economy has accused the Prime Minister and Infrastructure Minister Austin Gatt of creating economic uncertainty through their 'irresponsible' comments on the power tariffs.
Dr Gavin Gulia observed that the Prime Minister last week said that the tariffs may rise, and Dr Gatt indicated yesterday that they may return to last year's levels. Such remarks, the Labour spokesman said, were insensitive, given the current economic situation where unemployment was rising and exports were falling.
He urged the government to take up the Opposition's suggestion to establish and declare a maximum for the energy tariffs for next year.
Yesterday, U.S. crude oil futures jumped $2.41 to settle at $79.87. London Brent crude gained $2.18, settling at $78.04.
See
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20091029/local/malta-has-to-look-again-at-its-power-tariffs-gatt