The Association for Consumer Rights said today that while it fully supports the extension of initiatives to reduce electricity theft and the proposals to strengthen the distribution of electricity in various centres, gas prices would be retained for reasons of ‘stability’.

It said in a statement that this ‘stability’ policy had also been applied to the price of fuels, meaning no reduction in the price of fuels, when both at international and EU level the prices had been exceptionally low.

"We are very concerned with these decisions, especially when one takes into consideration other indirect taxes and the resulting negative impact on families, pensioners and individuals at risk of poverty."

"The Association for Consumer Rights also called for a strong plan to address the public transport situation both in the short and long term to ensure better management of routes, an improved system of parking and delays.

Public transport should be given absolute priority, with the allocation of adequate funds even if this meant the postponement of other major projects, it said.