In February 2025, Malta’s a12-month moving average rate was 2.2%, higher than 2.0% in January, while its annual inflation rate, measured by the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), went up to 2.0% from 1.8% in January.
The most significant upward pressure on the annual inflation rate was contributed by the Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Index, contributing +0.47%. This was primarily due to higher prices of confectionery products. The Restaurants and Hotels Index was second, contributing +0.46%, primarily due to higher restaurant service charges. The Transport Index contributed +0.32%, primarily due to higher air transport service charges.
Conversely, the Communication Index had a declining impact, lowering the general annual rate of inflation by -0.16%, the major contributor being lower mobile phone rates.
The highest February 2025 annual inflation rates were observed in Education (4.8%) and Miscellaneous Goods and Services (3.6%). On the other hand, the lowest annual inflation rates were observed in Communication (-4.2%) and Clothing and Footwear (0.2%).
Malta’s 2.0% February HICP was 0.4% below the eurozone’s average 2.4% in February. Note that the rate of the eurozone is a flash estimate which may be subject to revision.
News Editor
Journalist and Newscaster
Leave a Reply