In a statement, Labour MP Anton Refalo said that as has become standard practice with government owned firms, Gozo Channel will be raising its tariffs without prior impact assessment on the region’s economy.

“This is symptomatic of the government’s arrogant attitude,” Dr Refalo continued. The decision will hit the Gozitan economy hard at a very bad time.

The decision comes against the suggestions made by the Gozo Tourism Association and the Gozo Business Chamber, Dr Refalo added. The raise hits Gozitans especially hard. Tariffs for Gozitans will rise by 66 per cent while those for Maltese by 14 per cent.