PM Abela: Malta keeps diesel prices stable despite global fuel surge

Tanker adrift: Malta is prepared for any eventuality

Cabinet to meet at Civil Protection Department for discussion on collective agreement

Prime Minister Robert Abela said Malta is fully prepared to face any potential challenges arising from the Russian tanker reportedly drifting towards the central Mediterranean, insisting that the government remains organised, strong and ready for any eventuality.

Addressing a large crowd in Paola during a political activity organised by the Labour Party, Abela stressed that the government is closely monitoring developments and is committed to ensuring stability and peace of mind for the Maltese population.

The Prime Minister contrasted the government’s approach with that of the Opposition, criticising statements claiming that the tanker incident had occurred within Maltese territorial waters.

“We do not have the attitude of the Opposition,” he said, insisting that the government is acting responsibly while remaining vigilant about developments in the region.

Shielding families and businesses from fuel shocks

Abela also addressed the international energy crisis, pointing to sharp increases in fuel prices abroad while Malta maintained stable prices for consumers.

He highlighted the situation in Sicily, just 60 nautical miles from Malta, where diesel prices at one point doubled that paid for diesel in Malta as a result of global tensions.

“In Malta, people continued to pay the same price to fill up their cars,” Abela said.

The Prime Minister emphasised that maintaining stable diesel prices is a strategic priority for the government, noting that diesel powers many sectors of the Maltese economy.

“I am focusing on diesel because it is diesel that powers industries,” he said. “We want to keep prices stable at all costs so that consumers do not bear the brunt of these international price increases.”

He also referred to the water and electricity rates which are subsidised by government and will remain despite the strong opposition by the PN and the Commission itself.

€250 million contingency plan

Abela also referred to the €250 million financial buffer announced in Parliament by Finance Minister Clyde Caruana, describing it as a “war chest” set aside to protect the country in case international circumstances worsen.

The Prime Minister said the measure reflects the government’s commitment to responsible economic management and preparedness in uncertain global conditions.

Commitment to neutrality and peace

Turning to Malta’s foreign policy stance, Abela reaffirmed the country’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy amid ongoing international conflicts.

Malta, he said, will continue to uphold its neutral position and advocate for peace.

He noted that some European countries became directly involved in conflicts because they host foreign military bases, something Malta has consistently stirred away from.

New collective agreement for disciplined forces

He said that the Cabinet will meet at Civil Protection Department for discussion on collective agreement.

PN taint image of those who do not agree with them

He also referred to the cases of Labour MEP Daniel Attard and MP Carmelo Abela, stating that the Opposition taints people’s images by means of false allegations and never apologises to anyone who doesn’t agree with them.

What is for sure he said, is that the Government will continue to deliver on its promises, despite all these global challenges, comparing Malta’s positive measures to other counterpart countries who were engaging in austerity measures.