Labour demands explanation on high cost of LPG gas cylinders

The Labour Party yesterday called on the Malta Resources Authority to explain why LPG prices were higher in Malta than on the European mainland.

PL spokesmen Joe Mizzi and Marlene Pullicino said prices were still 25 per cent higher than a year ago in spite of a six per cent price cut, which came into force yesterday, while the increases experienced over the past year were higher than the rest of the EU.

The spokesmen said the MRA needed to publish its benchmarks and justify price fluctuations to ensure transparency.

Liquigas Malta on Saturday announced gas prices would drop by an average of six per cent, saying the adjustment was the result of favourable fluctuations in the euro/dollar exchange rate and a slight raw material price decrease.

A 10 kg cylinder of LPG now costs €11.10, down from €11.80; the price of a 12 kg cylinder has dropped to €13.10 from €13.90; a 15 kg cylinder will now cost €16 instead of €17 and the price of a 25 kg cylinder has dropped to €25.70 from €27.30.

The cuts follow a much-criticised rise in prices introduced at the beginning of last month. Propane gas prices remained unchanged.

Liquigas is required by the MRA to publish the price of LPG and propane a day before the end of each month, with new prices applicable on the first day of each month.