Liquigas said this afternoon it has a cylinder distribution licence covering the whole Maltese territory issued by the Malta Resources Authority (MRA).

This was a pre-requisite for the €25 million investment by the company in Malta, including the building and operation of a new LPG facility in Benghajsa which allowed for the closure and dismantling of the Qajjenza plant.

“Liquigas will defend its legitimate right to retain this licence,” it said.

It referred to the MRA’s announcement on the proposed LPG market structure and said that through the proposals the authorities were reverting to a distribution monopoly by ensuring territorial exclusivity for distributors.

“This goes against the ideal model for consumers, preferred by Liquigas, which includes various distribution streams, each competing to deliver the best service possible.

“The newly implemented direct distribution model operated by Liquigas, whereby customers phone Liquigas Call Centre on 2165 1661/5 (available 24/7), is already providing numerous benefits, including a delivery system that ensures all consumers are served with gas at a convenient time and at the normal and correct price,” it said.

Liquigas said that MRA’s proposal was seeking to stop this efficient service for Maltese consumers, a service that was especially helpful for the elderly and those living in the peripheral ‘hard to reach’ areas.

This new distribution model was running in parallel with the door-to-door distribution service operated by the other distributors and competed with the established distribution system. It had already proved effective in ensuring that existing distributors improved their service levels.

The company said it will be examining the legal, commercial and social implications of the announcement on the reform of the market structure in detail.

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