Feeling Broke? Over Half Of Maltese Businesses Raised Prices

Jan 25 2024

A recent survey by the Central Bank of Malta revealed that 58% of Maltese businesses, spanning various sectors, increased prices due to rising expenses.

Conducted over the last three months, the survey focused on construction, property, agriculture, services, and manufacturing sectors.

Concerns over employment conditions were raised, with 52% noting a deterioration, while only 17% reported improvements for autumn of 2023. In the construction and property sector, 33% anticipated a reduction in work in the coming months.

Regarding investment plans, 42% intended to invest more, while 27% planned to invest less in 2024. A majority (67%) acknowledged increased expenses, resulting in 58% raising prices.

Concerns about rising wages were prevalent, with 65% expecting an increase of over 5% in 2024. Importers were informed of potential higher shipping costs from Levant countries. This survey indicates a complex economic landscape for businesses in Malta, with challenges and uncertainties affecting various aspects of their operations.

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Bye Bye Basic Netflix Plan, Hello Annoying Ads

Jan 25 2024

Netflix , the streaming service giant has just announced some major changes within their subscription tiers that upset fans worldwide.

The streaming service’s cheapest plan currently works well if you’re on a tighter budget and allows you to enjoy the Netflix experience without any ads.

Unfortunately this has changed, as of January 2024, there are now three subscription plans, standard with adverts @ £4.99 / month, standard @ £10.99/month, and premium @ £17.99 / month.

For anyone looking to enjoy their favourite shows on a budget Netflix’s standard with adverts plan seems like a good deal as it allows you to download on two devices at a time with full HD video quality. The two main drawbacks which angered fans are of course, adverts in between shows, and that some movies and TV programmes are unavailable with the basic plan.

With the introduction of the new basic plan, comes the removal of one its most popular ad-free plans. Netflix’s most basic ad-free experiences will no longer be available to new and rejoining users.

On its website, Netflix has placed a warning stating that “The Basic plan is no longer available for new or rejoining members. If you are currently on the Basic plan, you can remain on this plan until your plan is changed or your account is cancelled.”

What do you think of Netflix’s new subscription plan ?

( Prices will vary once implementation is placed in Malta)

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Lidl And PAVI/PAMA Engage In Social Media War Over Prices

Jan 25 2024

Malta is witnessing a supermarket rivalry between giants LIDL and PAVI/PAMA, captivating shoppers with a dispute over the cheaper can of Coca Cola.

The feud began when PAVI/PAMA claimed their Coca Cola was €0.75 compared to LIDL’s €0.79. In response, LIDL posted a receipt showing PAVI charged €0.99, not €0.75, vowing to reduce their price to €0.69.

This public spat is unusual in Malta, where direct price comparisons are infrequent. Such price wars are common in Europe and have grown amid consumer concerns over inflation.

In the UK, advertising price wars contributed to reduced costs for various products. Rising living costs are a major concern in Malta, leading to a government initiative to cut the recommended retail price of 400 basic food items by at least 15%.

LIDL and PAVI/PAMA are engaged in a competitive advertising battle, comparing prices of items like Kinder Bueno and ragú sauce. As both supermarket giants are part of the upcoming government scheme, it remains to be seen if this price war signals a new era in Maltese supermarket advertising as they vie for customer attention.

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Do We Highlight Crimes By Foreigners Like We Do Locals? – Popolin

Jan 25 2024

Appearing on Popolin, Dr Sean Zammit addressed the issue of whether we highlight crimes in the same way when it comes to foreigners in Malta or Gozo when compared to locals themselves.

Zammit said that, in his day, there wasn’t the same amount of foreigners in Malta. Today, however, he feels that the foreign population is being scapegoated for most crimes.

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He questioned whether we put the same emphasis or use the same adjectives when it comes to locals doing crimes.

What do you think of this?

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Credit: TVM, Popolin