News Desk
The government says it is taking coordinated steps to ensure the Maldives continues to receive essential goods, fuel and financial support as the conflict in the Middle East disrupts global markets and travel routes. The updates were shared at this week’s briefing by the Special Committee of Ministers on the Middle East unrest, held at the President’s Office.
Economic Development, Transport and Trade Minister Mohamed Saeed said the government has already arranged alternative supply channels for basic commodities and industrial goods. He said work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies has secured access to additional markets, including China, India, Turkey and ASEAN countries, to prevent shortages and maintain price stability.
Finance Minister and Committee Chair Moosa Zameer said the government is also working to guarantee uninterrupted fuel supplies despite volatility in the global oil market. He said shipments continue to arrive on schedule and that arrangements are in place to ensure fuel remains available for both the public and businesses.
As part of these efforts, the government has released more than 1.1 million litres of subsidised fuel to 958 fishing vessels in recent days. Fisheries, Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister Ahmed Shyam said the support has eased operational pressures on fishermen during a difficult period. The largest volume of fuel was distributed from the Kooddoo centre, followed by the Addu centre. MIFCO is currently selling diesel to fishing boats at MVR 16.54 per litre, while the public rate stands at MVR 17.54.
Zameer said the government is also expanding financial assistance through the banking system to prevent commodity prices from rising and to sustain economic activity. Bank of Maldives disbursed USD 106 million in the first quarter of this year, compared with USD 5.6 million during the same period last year. Card settlement payments also increased, rising to USD 40 million from USD 24 million. He said the Bank of Maldives has issued MVR 163 million in loans so far in March and April, including MVR 540 million to the tourism sector and MVR 941 million to construction and other industries.
“As a result, we will not face a price shock. When there are changes in the international market, we will work to minimise the impact,” Zameer said. He added that staff reductions at state‑owned companies, where required, will be carried out in accordance with laws and regulations.
Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Mohammed Ameen said the sector has continued to grow despite travel disruptions caused by the conflict. Tourist arrivals have reached 740,364 so far this year, with daily arrivals now at 6,885. China remains the top source market, followed by Russia, the UK and Italy. Ameen said tourism has grown by 2.2 percent due to coordinated efforts with relevant agencies and the resumption of flights previously affected by the crisis.
The committee said the government’s priority is to ensure that no major sector, including tourism, fisheries, aviation, agriculture and small and medium enterprises, faces disruption. Officials also noted that only seven percent of pay remains unharmonised under the government’s pay harmonisation programme, and the President has instructed that this be resolved as soon as possible.
The Special Committee on the Middle East unrest was established on 28 February. Following last week’s cabinet reshuffle, the committee was reconstituted, and this week’s briefing was the first held by the newly formed group.
