MP demands inquiry into unauthorised sale of duty-free fuel

Labour MP Anglu Farrugia yesterday called for a magisterial inquiry into unauthorised sale of duty-free fuel to ships outside territorial waters to the detriment of Maltese taxpayers.

Speaking in parliament on the adjournment, Dr Farrugia said that documents he was presenting to parliament showed how two companies - Island Bunkers and Falzon Service Station - appeared to be regularly selling duty-free fuel to ships outside territorial waters in an unauthorised way. The fuel was supposed to be sold to recognised clients. Ship captains were not signing for the sales and no one knew where this fuel was going.

Dr Farrugia said the documents had also been sent to the Comptroller of Customs.

This practice had been going on for years, with the government turning a blind eye to what was happening, Dr Farrugia said.

Unless an inquiry was held by a member of the judiciary he would go to the judiciary himself and request their intervention, Dr Farrugia said.