The FORUM trade unions group this morning slammed the steep increase in fuel prices announced yesterday.

It pointed out that the price of unleaded petrol is now 40% higher than what it was five years ago. Diesel was 24% higher.

Enemalta said yesterday that a litre of unleaded now costs €1.31 while diesel costs €1.21.

Only five countries in the EU announced price increases which were higher than Malta's, the FORUM said, Other countries kept their prices stable, including countries where salaries are double Malta's.

"These repeated price increases, along with other increased for gas, medicines and the cost of living in general, are imposing heavier burdens on families, pensioners and the workers. Such increases will continue to put upward pressure on the prices of products and services," the unions warned.

It added that the €1.16 cost of living increase announced in the budget had long disappeared.

The government, it insisted, needed to give greater importance to its principal role of being the guardian of social justice in Malta.

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