Malta will not run out of power plant gas or aviation fuel: Robert Abela

Updated 12.30pm

Malta will not run out of power plant gas or aviation fuel, Robert Abela has assured amid global concern of fuel shortage triggered by the conflict in the Middle East.

The prime minister told the media before a meeting with the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development on Friday, that Malta was prepared to face potential energy challenges beyond August. 

The prime minister reiterated comments he gave Xtra's Saviour Balzan on Thursday, in an interview aired on TVM moments after the International Energy Agency warned Europe had around six weeks of jet fuel left, and flights could be cancelled. 

Earlier on Thursday, the PN warned that Malta’s electricity supply beyond August remained uncertain as the government had yet to confirm a new gas supply agreement to replace the current 10-year deal, which expires in four months.

Malta relies on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to fuel its primary power station in Delimara. LNG supplies have been impacted due to the war in Iran and Malta's deal with energy giant Socar to provide the gas, which runs out in August. 

War in Iran has also had a major impact on the supply of aviation fuel: the EU warned this week that there is a risk of major supply issues "in the near future."

On Friday, Abela held discussions with the MCESD on the way forward for the energy sector.

Before that meeting, he acknowledged that the current situation was difficult to predict but insisted the government had remained prepared in terms of fuel supplies.

“I want to give peace of mind that we are ready for today, for tomorrow and for August and even beyond it,” he said.

The Prime Minister also addressed criticism that subsidies were only a short-term solution. He disagreed, arguing that they continue to support businesses and families. He added that this support is strengthened by Malta’s “dynamic economy”.

He added that Malta had already navigated similar challenges in the past, particularly during the Russia-Ukraine crisis. “Been there, done that!” he said.

Referring to Eurostat data, Abela said that while many EU countries were expected to have deficits exceeding 3% until 2031, Malta’s deficit is projected to remain at 3%.

Energy Minister Miriam Dalli, who joined the MCESD meeting on Friday, also sought to reassure those present, saying Enemalta has sufficient energy supplies and described the PN's comments as “irresponsible” and partisan.

'Aviation fuel crucial for tourism sector'

On Thursday, Abela told Balzan the current geopolitical challenges were bigger than those faced during COVID. Even if a truce was reached tomorrow, the impact that the conflict had on diplomatic relations and energy infrastructure will last months or years, he added.

But he was not worried about the fuel supply as Malta had pre-empted such circumstances, Abela said.

“The word is preparedness.  We did not start thinking of fuel procurement when the issue erupted,” the prime minister said.

He also referred to PN’s concern over the provision of gas, assuring the public not only of continued price stability, but also guaranteed provision.

“We were already thinking of such eventualities and have been holding discussions for months.

“No matter what is going on internationally, we are a country that can provide peace of mind. Same when it comes to aviation fuels, which are crucial for the aviation sector, and therefore our tourism sector.”

'National interest dictates election date'

On Xtra, Abela meanwhile reiterated that an election would be called when it is in the best interest of the nation.

He added that the discussion should be about the electorate’s choice, rather than the date of the general election, saying the electorate’s choice was between a fragmented party and a united one with a clear vision for the future and a guarantee of stable energy prices and provision.

His party, he added, had long-term plans also for fuel storage.

And while the second interconnector will be installed by the end of the year, the government has already started thinking of installing a third interconnector, he said.

Abela was also asked whether former ministers Clayton Bartolo and Roderick Galdes would be contesting the election under a PL ticket.

The prime minister said this was a decision that would be taken by the party’s commission that evaluates nominations.

Approval was based on facts, rather than speculation, but he was not one to discard people, he said.

“I preserve the talent of people who can give something to the country,” Abela said, adding that he did not shy away from removing a person from a ministerial role when he needed to.

Activists' ODZ request

Asked for his reaction to requests by Ġustizzja Għal Artna activists, who asked politicians to reclassify land that was opened up to possible development in 2006 as undevelopable, Abela said his government did not trample on anyone’s rights.

He compared upholding such a request to pulling the rug from under the feet of those who owned land that could be developed, whether as of 2006 or before. 

Referring to planning bills introduced last summer without public consultation, Abela assured that while all sides will not ultimately be in full agreement on the matter, they were closer to reaching a level of reasonable convergence.

Metro promises

The prime minister was also asked about the island's increased population and traffic challenges. 

Abela said that the promised metro project would be given primary importance by the next Labour administration, but such a project needed a robust economy.

He said that while the concept had remained the same, the current PL proposal had evolved from the 2022 one.

"While the initial proposal was for a completely underground system, the current project would see part of the line go underground, part at street level and another part above ground."