The Nationalist Party noted today that although the price of oil on the international market has dropped to around $40 dollars per barrel, the price of petrol and diesel has remained the same.

The government is therefore “stealing” from Maltese and Gozitan families, the PN said through its shadow minister for the environment, energy and transport Marthese Portelli.

Worse than this, the people are paying prices that are among the highest in the European Union for both commodities. Out of 28 countries, only four have more expensive diesel.

The drop in the price of oil on the international market is not being enjoyed by local consumers. The government should immediately take drastic measures to reduce the price of both petrol and diesel, the PN said.

It added that after a huge campaign led by the Opposition earlier this year, the government had reduced prices when local council elections were looming. Now that no elections are taking place, people are forced to pay higher prices and this is having a negative effect on their lifestyle.