Updated: Government should explain increase in price of diesel - PL spokesman

(Adds government statement)

The recent increase in the price of fuel confirmed that the government clutched at any excuse to increase the prices of these essential products, PL spokesman Charles Mangion said.

Dr Mangion said that in the first eight months of this year, families were made to pay an additional €3.69 a week for petrol and diesel. From this increase, the government was getting an additional 72 in excise tax and absorbing a bigger amount of value added tax.

He said that although everyone knew that Malta did not have any control on international prices, taxation and purchase methods by Enemalta were the government's responsibility.

And while the increase in the price of petrol was a clear reflection of the international movement, that of diesel was around six per cent higher than the international increase and Enemalta, or the regulator, should explain, he said.

Cost in Malta lower than European average - government

The average international diesel price this year increased by 19.1 per cent while that of unleaded fuel increased 21.6 per cent. This was more than double the increases locally, the government said.

The Finance Ministry said that while the average petrol price in Malta was €1.43, the European average was €1.48.

In 14 countries, the cost of petrol was higher than in Malta.

While the diesel price in Malta was €1.33, the European average price was €1.35. In 16 countries, it cost more than in Malta.