Updated 1300
Cost of Subsidies on electricity slashed by half: The government’s estimated cost of subsidies on electricity and petrol prices has been significantly reduced from €595 million to €262 million. A report by the Fiscal Advisory Council highlights a substantial deviation of €333 million between the estimated subsidy costs in the draft budget for 2023 and the latest forecasts provided by the Finance Ministry. The fiscal watchdog emphasized that their risk assessment of government spending is largely dependent on the planned expenditure for energy subsidies, considering their significant size and the uncertainty surrounding these allocations. Both the European Commission and the International Monetary Fund have issued warnings about the potential impact of continued spending on the subsidy, expressing concerns about its implications on the government’s finances. (Times of Malta)
Benna says milk production struggling with power cuts: Malta Dairy Products (MDP), the leading provider of fresh milk in Malta, is currently facing challenges in maintaining its regular milk production levels due to the prolonged power outages that have affected the islands over the past seven days. As a result of the power disruptions, MDP has issued a warning that certain products in the market may experience shortages in the coming days. Despite having backup generators in place and operational, the power cut-off at MDP has significantly impacted their ability to produce the usual quantities of milk required to meet the rising demand from the public on the island. The extreme heat during this weather has posed difficulties, leading to a temporary reduction in production output and affecting the regular supply chain, according to MDP’s statement. (Maltatoday)
PM asks MCESD to meet over energy issues: The Prime Minister has called for a meeting with the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD), shortly after the Malta Chamber had asked for an urgent meeting over its worries about the country’s current situation. On Twitter, Prime Minister Abela said that he had asked the Chairman of the MCESD to convene a meeting with the social partners. He said that during the meeting he would be giving an update about the “present climate challenges, energy and the ongoing and upcoming works to strengthen the electricity and distribution system.” (TVM)
Morning Briefing
Four deaths related to heat reported over weekend
According to health authorities, last weekend saw three fatalities due to dehydration and one individual passing away from hyperthermia as Malta continues to experience a scorching heatwave. Further information obtained by Times of Malta indicates that additional deaths have occurred due to the extreme heat, prompting several magisterial inquiries to investigate these cases. The health authorities’ statement reveals that a total of 34 deaths occurred over the weekend, with most attributed to cardiovascular conditions or exacerbations of pre-existing chronic ailments. The ages of the victims were not disclosed. However, sources revealed that numerous individuals, particularly the elderly, sought medical assistance from hospitals and health centers in recent days as they struggled to cope with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees. (Times of Malta)
PN leader asks PM to delcare state of emergency on energy crisis
Opposition leader Bernard Grech urged the Prime Minister to take immediate action in response to the persistent and widespread power cuts affecting Malta and Gozo. Grech called on the Prime Minister to declare a national state of emergency and to actively engage with the public facing severe challenges due to water and energy-related problems. During a press conference in Birzebbugia, opposite the Delimara power plant, he urged that no amount of financial compensation can adequately address the hardships they are enduring. (Maltatoday)
Temperature respite expected over next few days
The ongoing severe heatwave continues to affect our country and Southern Europe, prompting health authorities in Malta to issue warnings about the potential health risks associated with the high temperatures. People are advised to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the adverse effects of the sun and heat. However, relief is in sight as Malta is expected to experience a significant drop in temperatures starting from the middle of this week. Temperatures will decrease to 35 degrees on Wednesday and further to 32 degrees on Thursday. This change is attributed to the wind direction shifting to northwest (Majjistral) and increasing in strength to Force 5 to Force 6 on Wednesday. According to the Met Office, the maximum temperature will remain at 35 degrees on Sunday, indicating a decrease in the intensity of the heatwave as the week progresses. (TVM)
