The hike in fuel and gas prices have been slammed by unions and the Labour Party.

“Once again, the government has proved how heartless and insensitive it is by dumping these extra burdens on families,” the General Workers’ Union said in a statement, yesterday. Similarly, Forum, the umbrella organisation of 11 unions, said sarcastically that the government had kept its “monthly appointment” to make sure no one would be disappointed.

“Fuel increases are announced month after month and it’s as though nothing is happening. Workers’ spending money is shrinking because of the rising cost of living and is further complicated by these monthly increases,” Forum said.

Enemalta announced the higher fuel prices on Monday. The price of unleaded petrol went up by three cents per litre although diesel went down by four. The resources authority also raised the maximum price of most sizes of gas cylinders by 20 cents although the suppliers have not yet announced an increase. Labour utilities spokesman Marlene Pullicino lashed out, saying these the hikes were “exaggerated” and came at a time when the international price of oil was going down.

The increases came less than 48 hours after the Prime Minister said the government would focus on improving conditions for families, she pointed out.