Fishing sector gets up to 57% cut in utility charges

Electricity and water service charges for fishermen operating from Malta are set to be slashed by up to 57%, in a government move aimed at lowering operating costs. Prime Minister Robert Abela announced the reductions during an informal meeting with fishermen in Marsaxlokk, attended by senior officials from the fisheries and agriculture authorities.

Full-time and part-time fishermen operating vessels registered as MFA and MFB will benefit from a 55% reduction in electricity service charges and a 57% reduction in water service charges. For other vessels registered as MFC, electricity charges will be reduced by 17%.

Government said the reductions are intended to support continued investment and economic activity in the fishing sector. The move comes as part of broader efforts to ease cost pressures on an industry that relies heavily on fuel and utility inputs.

In addition to the utility cuts, government announced plans to enter discussions with fishermen's organisations over a currently abandoned building at Xatt is-Sajjieda. The property is expected to be transferred to the Malta Food Agency and repurposed into a facility serving the fishing sector, including cold-storage facilities for fishermen.

The combined measures signal a targeted push to sustain the viability of Malta's fishing fleet, which faces rising operational costs and competition. For local businesses tied to the sector, the reductions could provide some breathing room in an otherwise tight margin environment.