The Malta Resources Authority (MRA) has approved an increase in the price of gas cylinders, which will go up by over 30% as from Friday.

A 10 kilo cylinder which cost nine euros (gas) and 10 euros (propane), will now be 11.80 euros and 11.20 euros, respectively. A 12 kilo gas cylinder - currently 10.50 euros, will cost 13.90 euros. A 15 kilo cylinder - currently 13 euros for gas and 14.50 euros for propane, will be 17 euro and 16.20 euros, respectively.

The MRA said that the price increase reflected the end of previous subsidies and an increase in the international prices of gas. However, the approved prices are lower than the ones requested by distributors Liquigas, particularly in the case of propane. Households would spend an average of €28 more annually as a result of the new tariffs according to an MRA study.

In response, the government announced that it will be increasing energy benefits for households which are entitled to receive them.

Households in which at least 1 elderly person lives will receive an additional €25, while other eligible households will receive an extra €15. Currently, around 28,000 families receive energy benefits.