Update 2: Gas distributors protest in front of Castille

A Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority decision on a 1992 agreement giving 30 distributors exclusive rights to sell gas cylinders to consumers living in specific geographical areas is expected shortly, even possibly today, GRTU official Joe Attard, who represents the distributors, said this afternoon. He was speaking after presenting the Prime Minister with a letter from the distributors pressing for the issue to be resolved Distributors protested outside Castille as Mr Attard and another two representatives went to the Prime Minister's office to give him the letter. More than 15 policemen formed a human barrier between the protesters and Castille during the protest. At one point, the officers also included the Police Commissioner. The distributors want the MCCAA to decide whether a 1992 agreement giving 30 distributors exclusive rights to sell gas cylinders to consumers living in specific geographical areas is still valid or if it is in breach of competition laws. Mr Attard said that the meeting with the Prime Minister was cordial. Dr Gonzi told them, he said, that once the decision was out, the government would establish guidelines accordingly.