Transporters lament costlier diesel

The National Transporters Association has requested a meeting with the government to discuss the increase in the price of diesel.

The association, which represents owners of buses, coaches and minibuses, stevedores, water and fuel transporters and contractors, has called on the government to order - as a goodwill gesture - the energy regulator to force Enemalta to suspend the latest increase of 8m per litre on diesel which was "imposed" as from this month.

It also wants the government to reduce the excise tax on diesel by 5c as it has done for other businesses.

The association met at the Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprise (GRTU) to formulate a plan of action to address the issue. It said the increase in the price of diesel - from 28c2 in January to 42c6 now - is affecting their business.