Liquigas Malta said this afternoon that gas distributors represented by the GRTU were operating 'as a cartel' and resisting competition, to the detriment of the  consumer.

In a statement, Liquigas said the distributors represented by GRTU in 1992 signed an agreement with Enemalta on the distribution of case by territory. But, this agreement was no longer valid as it was declared null and void by the Office for Fair Competition (OFC).

"It is not legally possible for distributors to retain geographical exclusivity as this conflicts with Maltese competition law and also with Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. This Treaty specifically prohibits cartels and other agreements that could disrupt unhindered competition and free choice in the EU market," Liquigas said.

It said that five years after it acquiring the business from Enemalta, it had respected all its obligations as listed in the agreement signed with the   Government in 2008. However it was still waiting for the right to have its own distribution model to be honoured, so as to ensure the best level and quality of service to their customers.