According to statistics published by Eurostat today, Malta saw the third largest increase in electricity prices among the European Union member countries. Between 2016 and 2017 Maltese consumer energy costs increased by 7.1%, at a time when the international price had been stable.

Eurostat reported that average Household energy prices in the EU remained nearly stable compared with 2016 with a decrease of 0.2% for electricity and -0.5% for gas.

 Across the EU Member States, the highest increase in household electricity prices in national currency between the second half of 2016 and the second half of 2017 was registered in Cyprus (+12.6%), followed by Romania (+7.2%), Malta (+7.1%), Estonia (+6.5%), the United Kingdom (+5.3%), Bulgaria and Belgium (both +4.8%) and Poland (+4.5%). In contrast, the most noticeable decreases were observed in Italy (-11.1%), Croatia (-7.5%), Slovakia (-6.2%) and Greece (-6.0%).

The share of taxes and levies in total household electricity prices varied significantly between Member States, with 5% tax in Malta in the second half of 2017.

PN reaction

The Nationalist party, in a press release said the data confirmes that people are paying more for their electricity and water bills.

The party is currently asking people to take their energy bills to its headquarters to be studied. It says that, from its first sample of 100 bills it found that 80% were being overcharged.

The PN argued that the government is using the system incorrectly even though Joseph Muscat, in the 2013 general election promised cheaper electricity and water bills.

The opposition also added that the increase of 7.1% in the cost of energy for the Maltese must also be seen within the context of revelations about the $40 million lost because of the SOCAR deal for the purchase of LNG gas for the new power station at Delimara.

PL statement

In contrast, the Labour Party said the Eurostat data confirmed that energy bills in Malta were among the cheapest in the EU. This, the party said, was a result of the 25% reduction in energy tariffs.

The PL noted that energy tariffs in Malta were the seventh cheapest in the EU, far below the EU average.

Malta also had among the lowest energy tax and duty rates.

As a result of consumption was increasing because people were no longer holding back, the PL said.