Government has asked the Competition Authority to investigate the recent price increases of fresh milk by Malta Dairy Products, according to Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said.

Dr Said told a news conference that government believed the company enjoyed a dominant market position and so asked the authority to investigate whether the price increases were justified.

Malta Dairy Products, which produces the Benna range, had said the increases were necessary because of the higher prices of cereals and consequently, animal feed.

The most popular product, the light blue litre milk carton, went up to 76c, an increase of 4c, while the 500ml version went up by 3c.

The price of whole milk was raised by 1c and “milk drinks” by 5c.