---
title: "Malta's Retail Inflation Rises to 2.9% in September Amid Higher Food and Housing Costs"
date: 2026-10-19T11:00:29.981+00:00
updated: 2026-10-19T11:00:29.981+00:00
topics: ["Economy", "National", "Business"]
canonical: https://filqosor.com/article/2026-10-19/maltas-retail-inflation-rises-to-2-9-per-cent-in-september-amid-higher-food-and-housing-costs
source: Fil-Qosor
---

# Malta's Retail Inflation Rises to 2.9% in September Amid Higher Food and Housing Costs

## In brief

- Malta's annual Retail Price Index inflation rose to 2.9% in September 2026, up from 2.6% in August.
- Rising food costs and a 5.6% increase in restaurant and takeaway prices served as major upward drivers.
- Housing costs also climbed by 7.3%, while the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices advanced to 2.4%.

Annual retail price inflation in Malta increased to 2.9% in September 2026, according to official figures published by the National Statistics Office. The rate reflects an acceleration from the 2.6% recorded in August, pointing to renewed upward pressure on everyday household budgets.

The Retail Price Index monitors monthly fluctuations in the prices of goods and services typically purchased by local households. The latest reading marks the highest annual rate recorded in several months, halting a brief period of relative price stabilisation.

Food prices served as a central factor behind the increase, overtaking housing as the largest single contributor to annual retail inflation. Within this segment, the cost of restaurant meals and takeaway food rose by 5.6% compared with the same month last year.

Accommodation and property-related expenses also remained a significant burden on consumer spending. Housing costs climbed by 7.3% over the twelve-month period, maintaining pressure on tenants and individuals financing property maintenance.

The findings coincided with a corresponding upward shift in the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices, which measures inflation under standardised European Union metrics. That index moved from 2.0% in August to 2.4% in September, confirming that broader expenditure categories felt similar upward pressure.

The rising figures underline persistent cost-of-living challenges across the economy ahead of the upcoming national budget. While specific categories such as catering and accommodation led the increase, elevated retail prices continue to affect disposable income across essential goods and commercial services.

## The Spin Room

**Low media divide.** All outlets reported the official statistical release consistently, differing only in which consumer price components they highlighted.

## Sources (3)

- [The Shift News](https://theshiftnews.com/2026/10/19/restaurant-and-takeaway-prices-rise-5-6-as-food-costs-bite/)
- [Newsbook](https://newsbook.com.mt/en/housing-costs-rise-7-3-as-maltas-retail-inflation-reaches-2-9/)
- [The Maltese Herald](https://themalteseherald.com/2026/10/19/retail-price-index-shoots-to-2-9-in-september-inflation-weighing-down-consumer-expenditure/)

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