Locals know how Maltese life is always changing, and how some things have sadly been lost to the annals of time. To this day, many Maltese can quickly identify the call of their doughnut vendor, their vegetable van, and of course, their beloved bigilla seller. With each locality having its own vendors, also known as bejjiegħa tat-toroq, one vendor that’s been almost completely forgotten is the kerosene vendor or tal-pitrolju. 

Facebook photography page Kappa Vision recently shared a wonderfully nostalgic image of one such kerosene vendor in Nadur, Gozo. The photo shows the man alongside his old-fashioned horse drawn cart. The karettun, which is kept in pristine condition, sports a lovely shade of bright green, ensuring that it catches the eye of every passer byer.

According to the post, nowadays, vendors selling kerosene, or pitrolju are an uncommon sight. However, ‘a few decades ago’, when the product was frequently used for heating and cooking, vendors went around Malta with ‘mule-driven carts’, selling the product right outside your door. As time passed by, the karettun was replaced by a lorry truck.

The post notes how many still remember Pawlu tal-pitrolju, Birkirkara’s very own kerosene vendor, and his ‘1939 Bedford truck’. Many users in the comment section remember their own vendors, such as the one in Hamrun, Garlando in Xewkija, or Salvu in St Julian’s.

Can you recall your town’s kerosene vendor?