Malta's professional transporters are pressing the government to implement measures that would relieve the burden brought about by the rising cost of diesel.

Next week the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises - GRTU will be raising the subject during a meeting with the Prime Minister, the GRTU said.

Transporter representatives from various fields - such as minibus drivers, waste carriers, distributors and stevedores - took part in a meeting held to discuss a common front by European organisations to which they are affiliated.

GRTU director general Vince Farrugia said it was not true that the government was helpless to stem the increase in diesel costs.

Financial estimates showed that, this year, the government would collect €90 million from motorists from excise duty paid on fuel and another €80 million from car licences and registration.

Neither was it true that the government was prevented by the European Union from reducing excise duty. The government was obliged to keep the minimum fee imposed by the European Commission, that is, €302 in excise duty on every tonne of fuel. This meant that the government could cut the current €332 per tonne that it imposes, he said.

UBS president George Hyzler said it was important that the public be made aware of the burdens faced by transporters as a result of the increased fuel costs. He said UBS and the GRTU were insisting that a diesel price escalator clause be included in all transporting contracts.

During the meeting Mr Farrugia and Dr Hyzler explained to transporters present the standpoint of EU organisations. All transporter representatives agreed that the issue should not be allowed to settle and the government ought to be asked to intervene.

The GRTU said it would bring up the subject during its meeting with the Prime Minister next week.