The Maltese were paying European prices when they were not being paid European wages, Labour leader Joseph Muscat said this morning.

In a recorded message on the party’s radio station, Dr Muscat said that while the regulator was supposed to be there to protect consumers, he had proposed an even higher price for gas than that which was being charged.

A Labour government, he said, would open for scrutiny decisions being taken, such as from where Malta bought its oil, he said.

Dr Muscat accused the government of artificially increasing water and electricity rates through the formula used. This, he said, could be changed to favour the people more but the Malta Resources Authority remained silent.

“A future Labour government will want explanations,” he insisted.

Dr Muscat said that there were many questions the regulator and the government should answer.

When the December price of gas increased, the operator had said this would soon drop as it was changing its supplier. However, the price went up again and it was expected to rise to €24 per cylinder by the end of the year.

The Labour leader referred to the motion presented in Parliament by the PL’s whip Joe Mizzi, requesting the publication of all the MRA workings on the gas prices. It also called on the MRA to review its workings on the calculation of prices, in the interests of consumers.

The motion called on the government to award an energy benefit bonus to everyone, in the same way as the government had found the money to raise the salaries of its ministers.

It proposed the setting up of a parliamentary select committee to investigate the gas privatisation process and decisions which affected prices.

Dr Muscat said he was hopeful that families and businesses would get out of the recession despite of the government.

The opposition was choosing to be with the people.

“Our solidarity is with you.

“I could have taken a double wage... But I am not for sale... I am with you. If you give me your confidence, I will be with you throughout my term, sharing the burdens and benefits the country will offer,” he said.

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