Liquigas has accused the GRTU of intensifying efforts "to hold Malta hostage to an unacceptable monopolistic practice in gas distribution".
In a statement this evening, Liquigas said that the GRTU, expected that it could impose on government, gas suppliers and consumers a situation where its member distributors had absolute control of gas distribution, irrespective of the fact that such practices were neither legal nor tenable under Maltese laws.
"Gas distributors, like everyone else, must face the rules of competition on the market and operate therein. They cannot dictate to the consumer or the supplier. If the market is unsatisfied with their service, it cannot be held hostage to their whims or practices but be able to seek better service," Liquigas said.
"The GRTU is preparing to repeat the difficulties experienced towards the end of last year, possibly in a more aggressive manner, in order to exploit their monopoly and restrict this essential service to consumers.
"On its part, Liquigas never obstructed gas distributors from distributing cylinders. As a matter of fact, to enable customers to exercise their right of choice, Liquigas has consistently and unconditionally supplied distributors with its gas cylinders in line with the Competition Office Directive of December 2010.
"Throughout this year, we have been subjected to an unfair and unjust situation, which other commercial companies would not even accept for a week.
"While the gas distributors have all the freedom of distributing cylinders of both Liquigas and its competitor, the same gas distributors want to restrain Liquigas from selling its own products. Clearly, this imposition is completely unacceptable," a Liquigas spokesman said.
Liquigas said such exclusivity goes directly against both the spirit and the law of the European Union which thrives on the principle of free and unfettered competition and consumer choice.
"The GRTU was at the forefront of Malta's effort to join the EU.
"Now, whether GRTU likes it or not, joining the Union has also imposed an obligation to adhere to its rules and regulations.
"As the EU does not allow monopolies or similar restrictions, Liquigas is perfectly and fully entitled to distribute its own products without any uncalled-for restrictions and impositions.
"The fundamental right of consumers to choose the service, on the one hand, and of the company to operate in a fair and unfettered market, on the other hand, are inalienable," Liquigas said.
It said the government and its authorities are duty bound to ensure fair competition, and simply cannot keep on dragging their feet.
"It is high time for domestic and trade consumers to have the right of full choice of service, without any further excuse or delay.
"Liquigas, which operates in a number of European countries finds the situation in Malta both inexplicable and unsustainable and looks forward to a speedy, and comprehensive solution."