Maltese consumers and Industry to face additional €16.5 million EU-imposed ETS and Fuel Surcharges in 2026

27 December 2025

Malta’s Association of Tractor and Trailer Operators (ATTO) reiterated its serious concern over the imminent implementation of the 100% Emissions Trading System and fuel surcharge due to come into force on January 1, 2026, warning that the measure will impose yet another a disproportionate and unjust financial burden on Maltese consumers and the industry at large.

ATTO explains how the ETS and fuel surcharge applicable to a single round-trip trailer on the Genoa–Malta–Genoa route will now amount to €734.40 and that based on 2025 statistics which are expected to close with approximately 54,500 trailers operating on core RoRo Vessel routes from Genoa, Livorno, Salerno, and Catania, the cumulative impact should translate into an additional annual cost of approximately €16.5 million.

ATTO questioned whether it is equitable or economically sound for the European Union to impose a uniform 100 per cent ETS surcharge on an island nation with no viable transport alternatives, effectively penalising Malta for its geography rather than supporting its economic sustainability.

“These costs are not only exorbitant but they punish Malta for being an island,” said Joseph Bugeja, Chairman of ATTO, adding that “these costs will ultimately and inevitably be passed on to Malta’s consumers and Industry”

“Malta does not have the option of overland transport. Unlike mainland states, our supply chains are entirely dependent on maritime connections. There is no alternative route to market. Every surcharge imposed on trailer movements is, in reality, a surcharge on the Maltese consumer, economy and competitiveness added Mr Bugeja.

ATTO emphasised that while Malta is a committed EU Member State and fully supports environmental objectives, policy implementation must reflect economic realities. The Association warned that applying ETS charges without islandspecific mitigation measures undermines competitiveness, fuels inflation, and places Maltese industry at a structural disadvantage within the Single Market.

ATTO has for the past two years been calling for urgent dialogue at both national and EU levels, insisting that Malta’s island nation and island economy status be formally recognised in the application of ETS-related charges. From January 1, 2026, the ETS rates and specific surcharges for shipping applied will go up from 70% and apply on 100% of emissions. This becomes a real and measurable cost borne by families and businesses across Malta.”

“This is no longer a theoretical discussion. Without corrective measures, the result is going to be even higher consumer prices, more reduced competitiveness for local businesses and increased pressure on national supply chains,” added Mr Bugeja.

“For Maltese consumers and businesses, this situation is no longer sustainable and the crucial question that must be answered is: should Maltese consumers, as Europeans continue to be penalised for being citizens of an island state?”

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