Updated - See government reaction below

The Nationalist Party has criticised the raise in fuel and gas prices announced 11 days ago, saying the increases were purposely announced over the Christmas period, when the people were distracted.

It accused the Labour Party and the GWU of hypocrisy for having conducted a crusade in the past whenever prices went up, while now staying silent. 

The party also issued a table showing prices now and compared to three years ago, when the General Workers' Union held a public protest. At the time, the GWU had requested an urgent meeting of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development.

The Labour Party had accused the then government of being irresponsible and the Resources Authority of having abdicated its responsibilities, the PN recalled.

GOVERNMENT REACTION - PRICES MUCH HIGHER UNDER THE PN

In a reaction, the Energy Ministry said that under the Nationalist government, prices used to be raised every month, whereas this government had instilled stability.

The ministry observed that the table issued by the PN did not give the figures for 2012 and 2013. During those years, prices went up every month.

It was the PN which was being hypocritical by hiding information known to all, and making comparisons where they suited it.

Under the PN government, the price of unleaded fuel had reached €1.54 while today it was €1.44.

The diesel price had peaked at €1.40 under the PN and it was now €1.36.

The gas price had risen to €20.60 under the PN, and it was now much lower. Furthermore, the present government had stabilised the prices, removing the uncertainty which had concerned businesses and families.

The Gas price changes.