Updated: Gas prices rise

Liquigas this evening announced an increase in gas prices, blaming high international prices. The company said the 12kg cylinder, which is the mostly widely used, now costs €20.60 up by €1 euro since the last increase, also of €1, in September. The 15kg cylinder costs €25.80, up by €1.30 The increase was announced just as Finance Minister Tonio Fenech started his Budget speech. Later in the speech the minister announced a €10 increase in the gas component of the energy benefit given by the government to 24,000 needy families.