Costly fuel is what environment needs

I hate entering a petrol station and noticing that, once again, I have to pay more to fill my car’s tank with petrol.

Disappointment or anger is one thing but it would be stupid to see the problem only from that point of view.

Cars are still major polluters and their share of the total CO2 emissions is enormous. As far back as 20 years ago, the European Greens de­manded a petrol price of €2.50 per litre to make the people aware of the ecological aspects of driving but also to make driving less attractive.

The majority of the Maltese people have not understood this yet. They ask for lower prices or financial compensation.

Of course, OPEC countries want to make a good profit. And, yes, the government and its enterprises ask for a good share of the consumer prices. But we can all do so much to spend even less money on petrol.

I know there are many journeys done by car in Malta that are not really necessary but the people are just too comfortable. Many trips could be made by bus, by bicycle or even on foot instead. Car pooling and sharing are other alternatives that often make sense and could save a lot of money.

We have it in our power to spend less money and save the environment. We just have to be open to ideas and ignore the ignorance of some people.