The application forms of operating licences and relative conditions for a liberalised fuel market were due to be published yesterday by the Malta Resources Authority on its website http://www.mra.org.mt
The authority said in a statement yesterday that during the accession negotiations, Malta and the European Union agreed on the need “to adjust the market in the importation, stocking and wholesale marketing of petroleum products” away from the monopoly enjoyed by Enemalta Corporation.
A liberalised fuel market was to result from the adjustment.
To achieve the objective, several actions have been taken. These include:
• the enactment of amendments to the MRA Act. These amendments will enable the Malta Resources Authority to effectively monitor and regulate petroleum fuel operations and to oversee the petroleum market liberalisation.
• the publishing of the necessary legislation (Petroleum for the Inland (Wholesale) Fuel Market regulations, 2007);
• the opening and call for applications for certain operating licences, i.e.
• to carry out the activity of an importer and or wholesaler of petroleum, and
• to operate a primary storage facility.
It was the application forms for these licences that were due to be published yesterday.
“All efforts will be made to ensure an expeditious consideration of the licence applications,” the authority said.
It added that it was recognised that operators would need time to adapt to the new liberalised environment. The new regulations and conditions attached to the operating licences are sufficient to allow for an orderly transition.
“The consumer is the main focus of this liberalisation programme. All operators should be aware that the consumer deserves, and is expecting upgrading of standards, not least where quality, the price of service rendered and safety in operations are concerned,” the authority said.
Stakeholders, market operators and members of the public were invited to direct any query regarding the liberalisation programme to the authority: by telephone to 2295-5154, by means of electronic mail to mra@ mra.org.mt or by regular post to the Malta Resources Authority, Millennia, Aldo Moro Road, Marsa MRS 9065, Malta.
Officials of the authority are available to meet with potential operators to clarify any queries that may arise.