Malta's gross domestic product for the third quarter this year increased by 2.2 percent in real terms when compared to the same period last year.

The National Statistics Office said that growth in value added was generated primarily by remote gaming activities, real estate, renting and business activities, transport, storage and communication, wholesale and retail trade,health; financial intermediation and public administration.

Increases were also registered in construction, other community, social and personal service activities and hotels and restaurants.

Drops in value added were registered in the manufacturing sector, in particular the manufacturing of electrical and optical equipment and of chemical and chemical products; and in electricity and water supply.

Rising oil prices dampened growth in most economic activities.

The expenditure approach indicated that GDP at constant prices rose by 2.2 per cent.

Total final consumption expenditure went up by 7.3 percent, driven mainly by private household expenditure. Gross fixed capital formation at constant prices declined by 7.1 percent.

Real exports and real imports went down.

The annual increase in GDP at current prices, amounting to €65.5 million, is estimated to have been distributed into a €19.6 million rise in compensation of employees, and a €45.9 million increase in gross operating surplus of enterprises.

Considering the effects of income and taxation paid and received by residents to and from the rest of the world, gross national income at market prices is estimated at €1,444.1 million for the third quarter, up by 3.7 percent over the same quarter last year.