Reacting to this increase in fares, AD’s economy and consumer affairs spokesman Noel Agius said: “The rise in fares is an added financial burden on the majority of Maltese and Gozitans, especially in these times of economic difficulties.

“On the other hand, we understand that tariffs have to be adjusted occasionally to ensure that the service is viable and in order to offer commuters better general travelling conditions. But this should only take place after serious attempts have been made to reduce costs involved in the running of Gozo Channel”.

Mr Agius called on the government to consider the negative impact of this increase in fares on the Gozitan economy.

“It is also important to consider that Gozitan people suffer from the handicap of double isolation, and Gozitan entrepreneurs and the Gozitan people should be helped to offset the extra expenses this brings with it.

“In this respect, AD recommends the Maltese government to lobby the European Union authorities to get extra support for the port infrastructure in Mgarr and Cirkewwa in the framework of the Trans European Networks’ (TENs) Short Sea Shipping Approach.”

Mr Agius concluded by calling on the government to combat patronage in public corporations.

“Before any increase in fares, a full public investigation should be conducted to verify allegations of patronage and clientalism in this public entity. Gozo Channel should ensure that it does not have superfluous staff employed as a result of political patronage,” he said.