Last updated at 6.17 p.m.

The distribution of gas cylinders will resume tomorrow, with the distributors selling the products of both Liquigas and Easygas from their trucks for a trial period.

The GRTU, representing the distributors, had a meeting today with resources Minister George Pullicino.

It was agreed that a trial period of several weeks would be allowed, during which the distributors would sell the products of the two companies.

During this period, officials will continue to meet to reach a final agreement.

The two companies agreed with the arrangements.

The distributors went on strike on Monday, complaining that Liquigas had started its own door-to-door deliveries in Sliema. They said this breached a 1992 agreement in terms of which each distributor was awarded exclusivity in his area.

Liquigas said it resorted to direct sales because of poor service from the area distributor. The company holds a licence to sell gas directly. The distributors want to see the licence rescinded. 

Earlier today, the Consumers' Association said that the system where gas distributors sold the products of all companies should be retained, but it needed to be ensured that proper standards of service were maintained.

It said, however, that all distributors able to provide the service should be allowed to do so as long as the service was guaranteed and standards were observed.  

The association said gas distribution was an essential service and the Malta Resources Authority needed to take the necessary decisions to have the service restored as soon as possible.

One of the proposals under discussion is for the dominant operator – in this case Liquigas, which has been established longer than Easygas – to have a dedicated service, with another for multi-flagged cylinder distribution. In both cases, the distribution services would be carried out by the current gas distributors.

In a statement, the Resources Ministry said the proposal was considered to be fair. It protected social and environmental principles as well as commercial interests, while ensuring an efficient service.

In another statement Liquigas said it believed consumers in Malta should have the right of complete choice in the gas sector, including who delivers their cylinders.

It was not enough for consumers to choose from whom to buy their gas, they should also be offered the right to chose who delivered it.

“Anything less than this, in today’s age, works against the gas consumer,” Liquigas said.