The government's social conscience had gone the same way as subsidies which used to be given on energy prices, and the people were paying the consequences, Acting Labour leader Anglu Farrugia said today.

He was reacting to the increases in the prices of fuels and gas, announced yesterday.

He said that fuel prices were now at an all time record, while the international oil price was not.

This, he said, was the worst start of the year for families and businesses.

The government was doing nothing, other than give a double pay for its ministers,

In a year, he said, petrol prices had risen by 18 per cent while diesel and kerosene prices were up 25%. Gas was up 60%.

The increases were already having a domino effect, as shown in the increase in milk prices, Dr Farrugia observed.