Inflation in Malta edged up to 2.6% in April, driven by sharp increases in travel, food, and hospitality costs, according to new data from the National Statistics Office.

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The rise marks a notable jump from March’s 2.1% rate and puts Maltese inflation above the eurozone average of 2.2%. It’s the highest annual rate since November, despite a continued easing in price pressures across other sectors.

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Transport saw the biggest surge, with prices up 5.7% year-on-year — largely fuelled by higher airfares. Education costs also jumped 5.6%, while restaurant and hotel services rose by 2.9%.

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Food and non-alcoholic beverages continued to pressure household budgets, with prices climbing 3.9% on average compared to a year earlier. The NSO noted that non-alcoholic drinks and dining services were key contributors.

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In contrast, some areas offered relief. Communication prices fell by 3.7%, thanks to lower mobile phone and equipment costs. Furniture and household goods also saw a slight decline of 0.2%.

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The monthly inflation rate — comparing April to March — stood at 3.2%, with restaurant and hotel prices surging 14.7% in just one month. That spike reflects seasonal factors and likely pre-summer price adjustments in the tourism industry.

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The figures show that inflation remains uneven, with certain essentials and services still rising faster than others, even as overall pressures appear to be moderating compared to the post-pandemic peak.

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Malta’s government and the Central Bank will likely view the uptick with caution, particularly as wage growth and rising costs in tourism-related sectors could fuel second-round effects. At the same time, the eurozone’s inflation slowdown — combined with growing pressure for monetary easing — could limit any near-term policy changes locally.

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For consumers, the latest figures are a reminder that while energy and some goods may have stabilised, travel and day-to-day expenses are far from back to normal.‎