Blow below the belt

The increases in the electricity and water surcharge and the excise duty on petrol is, undoubtedly, a blow below the belt.

Many families will find out that their spending power will be greatly reduced, in spite of the cost of living increase given in the budget.

This would in turn affect the country’s economy as people will be spending less on “extra” items or services because they will have to spend more on commodities.

The problem will increase further over two years when the surcharge will gradually go up from 55 per cent to 84 per cent – and perhaps beyond that too – while the price of petrol is also expected to increase.

This is a bleak situation that is difficult to get out of, considering the international price of oil.

Many families will have to change their lifestyle because of the current situation. Those who have electrical appliances will probably shift to others that work on gas or via solar panels. In a sense, they would need to re-invest in the hope that in the long term they will be spending less on energy.

One asks: what is the government doing to find alternative sources of energy? Many other countries are investing in wind energy, , for example. Has this been considered for Malta?

C. Micallef

Birkirkara