Increases in cargo handling fees, which were due to come into effect Monday, have been suspended following a meeting between Transport Minister Joe Mizzi, Transport Malta chairman James Piscopo and Valletta Gateway Terminals (VGT) officials.

In a statement, the government said that, according to an agreement reached in 2010, VGT had the right to increase tariffs every three years.

On 14 August, VGT issued a public notice to its customers stating that the new rates will apply as from September 1.

During today’s meeting, an agreement was reached for the increases to be suspended pending discussions aimed at halting the increases.