Alkagesta files defamation proceedings against the Maltese Herald

Alkagesta has begun legal proceedings against the Maltese Herald, saying the publication has repeatedly published defamatory and libellous articles about the company over the past year. The complaint has been filed in Malta's Court of Magistrates, according to a statement issued on 18 September 2026 from the company's base in Sliema, Malta.

In the statement, Alkagesta said the Maltese Herald had made and repeated "entirely false, damaging and unevidenced statements" about the business, and had continued to do so despite several attempts by the company to engage with the publication and set out where its reporting was wrong.

The company described the move as one it had not taken lightly. It said it had asked for engagement and presented the facts, but the Maltese Herald did not retract or correct the articles and references in question, which Alkagesta said served no legitimate purpose other than to cause unjustified commercial harm. The company added that it remains open to settling the matter amicably if the publication apologises and withdraws the material.

Alkagesta also pointed to the allegations being mirrored by what it called pay-to-play sites, which it said left it with no alternative but to initiate proceedings. The company said it is confident in the strength of its case and that the facts will vindicate its position, and that it will make no further comment until the legal process has run its course.

Alkagesta trades petroleum products, fertilizers, biofuels and steel in more than 48 countries, with physical trading supported by its own shipping and logistics operations and a dedicated risk management function. Recent company announcements are collected in its media centre.