Fuel prices: PN appeals for an end to ‘daylight robbery’

The drastic drop in the price of oil is not of benefit to the Maltese, as the cuts in fuel prices do not reflect the substantial reductions enjoyed elsewhere, the Nationalist Party said yesterday.

PN Deputy Leader Mario de Marco and Environment, Energy and Transport Shadow Minister Marthese Portelli observed that over the past weeks, the price of oil had dropped to US$35 per barrel, the lowest in seven years, and 75 per cent cheaper than what it was during the previous administration (US$140 per barrel).

This, the PN said, is leading consumers in other European countries to benefit from huge reductions in the price of fuel, most notably in Cyprus, Hungary and France where the decrease was 30 cents per litre in the past 12 months.

Yet in Malta the government is darkness is that there are so many individuals and organisations dedicating themselves to saving lives. As we have seen today, collaboration and cooperation is crucial for all of us to be effective in our efforts,” he added.

MOAS launched its life-saving mission in the Aegean Sea late last month in the waters between Turkey and Greece, aboard the MOAS Responder, which is fully-equipped to conduct mass rescue and post-rescue care. MOAS also coordinates with all stakeholders including the Hellenic Coast Guard, NGOs, fisherman and volunteers. The Responder is also able to deploy two fast 30-knot weather tight rescue boats Alan and Galip, named after two Syrian brothers who drowned in September.

“It is a fitting testament to our public support that MOAS can apply our public donations to save people and serve local lifesavers,” said MOAS Director Martin Xuereb

Last week, MOAS rescued some 59 refugees from two separate unseaworthy boats and will continue to mount search and rescue operations where needed. boasting of a 3c and 4c reduction for petrol and diesel respectively, the PN said.

This situation is affecting both families and business negatively, the statement concluded, appealing to the government to put a stop to this “daylight robbery”.