PL MP Says ‘Minority’ Of Businesses Are Increasing Prices Unfairly To Take Advantage Of Ukraine War
Labour MP Edward Zammit Lewis said that a “minority” of businesses are increasing their prices unfairly to capitalise on the cost of living crisis triggered by the Ukraine war.
“We’re not saying that there isn’t a minority who aren’t taking advantage of the situation,” Zammit Lewis said on a panel discussion on ONE TV’s Paperscan this morning.
“Whenever there’s global inflation, some people will increase their prices unfairly… not all goods originate from Ukraine and conflict zones.”
While Zammit Lewis praised the government’s efforts to control food prices through subsidies to grain and wheat importers, he was coy on whether more should be done to address the crisis.
“Is it enough? We must look at the challenge in a humble manner because everyone realises that certain prices are increasing,” he said. “We must keep on considering the needs of people and businesses because a larger economic cake means we can give more benefits.”
Zammit Lewis was echoing comments recently passed by Prime Minister Robert Abela, who said the “absolute majority” of Maltese businesses aren’t raising the price of food unfairly to capitalise on the inflationary impact of the Ukraine war.
Parliamentary Secretary for EU Funds Chris Bonett
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Secretary for EU Funds Chris Bonett hit out at the Opposition for criticising the government over the cost of living crisis without offering solutions themselves.
“We think about potential solutions everyday but when you hear the Opposition talking about it, you only hear them grumbling. Its leader still believes that the solution to soaring energy costs overseas is to increase electricity bills in Malta.”
What should the government do to address the cost of living crisis?
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