Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party expressed its concern with the substantial increases in the price of gas cylinders, which are causing hardships to low and middle-income earners.

Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson and spokesperson for Economy and Finance, said, “AD believes that the state should have the main role in energy policy and energy provision. The state should ensure that energy use is sustainable, that energy poverty is avoidable, and that employment in this sector is not precarious. This also holds for energy provided by the private sector. If the private sector cannot ensure such goals, the state should intervene and regulate in the most effective way. Expenditure on social expenditure in this sector can be made up for by progressive fiscal measures such as windfall taxes by big business, on tax against harmful environmental practices and on tax on financial speculation. Basic energy use should be subsidized, whilst wasteful practices should be penalized.”

“In the case of gas, it is clear that the Government, the Resources Authority and the Consumers’ Authority are not showing enough sensitivity to the hardships faced by many people. The profits of two big businesses seem to be given priority over sustainable and just policies.”

Angele Deguara, AD spokesperson for Social Policy said, “Regular increases in the price of gas cylinders are proving to be a huge burden especially on those with a low income. The use of gas is a basic need because even if a family cannot afford to heat the house with a gas heater, it certainly cannot do without gas energy for daily cooking. Therefore it is crucial that action be taken so that those with a low income will be helped to carry this burden. AD believes that the Malta Resources Authority should take this issue more seriously and make more effort to ensure that the price of gas is better controlled. Nobody should be in such a position as not to afford such a basic energy source because of the drive for profit.”

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