News Desk
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said today that the Maldives faces no immediate risk of an oil shortage, even as the conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt global supply routes. He made the remarks at his weekly press briefing at the President’s Office, a practice he began this week after pledging in his Presidential Address to meet the press regularly.
| “ | To further strengthen the close and constructive relationship I have maintained with the media, I will begin holding weekly open meetings with journalists, starting from March this year. These sessions will take place every Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., during which I will provide direct information and respond to questions from the press. This schedule will continue unless adjusted due to official travel, public holidays, or other unavoidable circumstances.
Similarly, beginning in March, each Cabinet Minister will meet with the press for one hour every week. The President’s Office will publish the schedule for these briefings. This initiative will ensure that the public receives clear, consistent, and timely information directly from the leadership responsible for national policy. President Dr Muizzu | Presidential Address 2026 |
On the question of oil security, the President said an Omani vessel carrying a new shipment left port last Saturday and that efforts to secure an additional shipment began last night. He said the Maldives has enough oil for a month and that storage facilities are filled to capacity. “There is no concern regarding oil at present. Supplies are stable and there is nothing to worry about in the coming days,” he said. Oman remains the Maldives’ main supplier, and the government is monitoring the situation closely as attacks in the region continue.
On food security, the President said imports will continue without disruption. The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade is monitoring possible supply chain challenges and studying risks to international freight routes. He said the ministry has already begun identifying alternative markets and new import routes to ensure uninterrupted access to essential goods.
On diplomatic engagement, the President said he is in close contact with leaders of Middle Eastern countries to monitor developments and express the Maldives’ solidarity. He said he will be speaking with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and the UAE today. “The message I will deliver is that the Maldivian people stand with the Arab Islamic countries during this difficult time,” he said, adding that the Maldives seeks to strengthen its relations with these nations.
On tourism, the President said the closure of airspace in several Middle Eastern countries has affected travel, particularly transit flights that rely on regional hubs. He said arrangements are being made to support travellers whose journeys have been disrupted.
On the economy, the President said the government will successfully settle the USD 500 million sukuk due on 8 April. More than USD 650 million has already been secured for the payment, leaving over USD 150 million in remaining funds. He said the Sovereign Development Fund holds more than USD 320 million, usable reserves exceed USD 330 million and gross reserves now stand at USD 1.27 billion, the highest in Maldivian history. He said this reserve strength provides significant relief as the country navigates the uncertainties caused by the Middle East conflict.
On support for small businesses, the President said the government will disburse at least MVR 200 million within the next week, prioritising payments below MVR 1 million. Weekly payments will continue until outstanding dues owed to small enterprises are cleared.
