The government wants to find out why fuel consumption dropped and costs went down despite more trips being made by Gozo Channel ferries.

“In July, trips increased but the fuel consumption and costs decreased when compared to the time when the fuel contract was being awarded without a tender. Don’t ask me how or why because I cannot explain it,” Gozo Minister Anton Refalo said confirming an investigation was in progress.

When asked, he said neither the police nor the Auditor General would be involved for the time being. “I’m not going to talk about suspicions. I talk about facts and we are investigating. That is all I can say,” he added.

Dr Refalo insisted that although Gozo Channel was paying more for fuel, the procurement process was “above board”.

“The ministry does not enter into details of the fuel contracts being awarded but what I can tell you is that everything was done above board and with all the scrutiny possible in place,” he said.

Trips increased but the fuel consumption and costs decreased. Don’t ask me how or why because I cannot explain it

He was asked to explain why the ferry company was spending about €7,000 a week more on fuel after it decided to change supplier.

Company chairman Joe Cordina insisted that the Times of Malta report on the fuel expenses was incorrect but he could not give the exact amount involved.

“It’s more in the region of an additional €5,000 or €6,000 but if you want the exact figures you’d have to send me an e-mail,” he said.

Shrugging his shoulders, he said the additional €20,000 or so being spent every month was a drop in the ocean considering that the monthly fuel bill amounted to €500,000.

“We cannot control the prices quoted by suppliers.”

He said the fuel contract was being awarded for the first time through a tendering process that took longer than expected due to appeals. In the meantime, a contract was awarded to the cheapest bidder.

Times of Malta reported last month that the former Gozitan marine fuel supplier, Go Fuels, which serviced the vessels for almost 25 years, was replaced in May. Instead, a contract was awarded to AC fuels and then to Cassar Fuels after separate calls by Gozo Channel.