The results of tests on gas regulators and valves which the Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority had sent to Finland for testing have still not arrived, according to the authority.

Earlier this year, consumers reported that gas was leaking from their gas regulators, at times even causing fires at the top of the cylinders. This prompted the Malta Standards Authority to issue warnings to consumers and send the regulators and valves abroad for testing.

In April, MSA chairman Francis Farrugia had announced the samples would be sent for testing abroad, however, they were only sent to an accredited laboratory in Finland on May 13.

“The results were expected around July 2. However, the lab came forward around four weeks ago saying it had trouble with the testing equipment. Late last week it confirmed the equipment had now been repaired and the tests are continuing,” a spokesman for the authority said.

The problems with regulators tended to surface more in the winter months, when people used gas heaters to fight the cold, and an MSA spokesman confirmed this was becoming something of a “seasonal problem”.

In a reaction, Liquigas, the main supplier of liquid propane gas, said it had voiced its concerns with the authority earlier this year and was still waiting for the results.

“In the meantime, Liquigas introduced a new Liquigas regulator on the market that is distinguished by its particular Liquigas green colour. This particular regulator has no compatibility issues and is certified to EN 12864,” the company said.

Asked to comment, a spokesman for Easygas said the issue did not concern his company, as the problem seemed to be with the old cylinders.