The Nationalist Party this morning criticised the government for keeping fuel prices up despite a 22 per cent drop in the international oil price.

Energy spokesman George Pullicino called on the government to revise prices, noting that  the international price of oil was the lowest in years. However, with the excuse of keeping stability the government was keeping pump prices high.

"Instead of passing on to the consumers a lower price, it is making a hefty profit," Mr Pullicino said.

Finance spokesman Tonio Fenech said that according to the international  oil price, petrol should be sold 22 cents (per litre) cheaper than at present while diesel should be 30 cents cheaper.

He pointed out that fuel prices in Malta were much lower than at present when the oil price was the equivalent of what it is today.

PN deputy leader Mario de Marco said that higher fuel prices were effecting Malta's competitiveness