Storm Harry Hit Malta as Gale-Force Winds Prompt Major Warnings Storm Harry battered Malta on Monday, with massive waves hitting coastal areas and strong winds toppling trees and disrupting transport services. Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri urged the public to remain indoors as winds were forecast to reach force 9, peaking at up to 100km/h overnight. Government workers were advised to work remotely on Tuesday, while schools will remain open except for three MCAST lectures, which will be held online. Black-bag refuse collection was suspended and Gozo ferry services were halted. Extra personnel from the police, Armed Forces and Civil Protection Department were deployed, with the public urged to avoid coastal areas and limit use of the 112 emergency line. The storm is expected to ease by late Tuesday afternoon. (Times of Malta)
Energy Ministry Orders Independent Audit of ARMS After Billing Controversy The Energy Ministry has ordered an independent audit of ARMS’s accounting system following billing errors that resulted in some consumers missing out on eco-reductions. While ARMS said the issue had been resolved, Energy Minister Miriam Dalli instructed an external review to establish the facts and recommend action. Opposition leader Alex Borg said thousands of households were affected, contrary to earlier government statements, accusing ARMS of failing to inform consumers. He called on the MCCAA and REWS to investigate and questioned when the minister became aware of the issue. The ministry defended its energy policy record, stressing that utility bills remained stable during recent international energy crises. (Maltatoday)
Malta’s Inflation Rate Eases Slightly to 2.4% in December Malta’s annual inflation rate eased slightly to 2.4% in December, down 0.1 percentage points from November, according to the National Statistics Office. The NSO said the 12-month average inflation rate for December 2025 also stood at 2.4%. Eurostat figures show that inflation across the euro area was lower, at 1.9% in December. Cyprus, France and Italy recorded the lowest inflation rates, while Romania, Slovakia and Estonia registered the highest. The data indicates that Malta’s inflation remains above the euro area average, despite a modest easing towards the end of the year. (TVM News)
