The Competition Authority is expected to investigate the higher prices for Benna fresh milk introduced by Malta Dairy Products on Wednesday.

Consumer Affairs Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said an-nounced that the government had asked the authority to look into the price hikes because it believes the company enjoys a dominant position despite liberalisation.

The authority, he added, had to determine whether the price increases were justified.

Dr Said was speaking at the end of a Malta Council for Economic and Social Development meeting, which discussed the recent fuel price hikes. The company, which produces the Benna range, had said the increases were necessary because of the higher prices of cereals and, consequently, animal feed.

The price of the most popular product, the light blue litre milk carton, went up to 76c, an increase of 4c, while that of the 500ml version rose by 3c.

The price of whole milk was raised by 1c and “milk drinks” by 5c.

ksansone@timesofmalta.com