News Desk
MALE’, Maldives — The State Owned Enterprises Committee of the People’s Majlis has opened an inquiry into the loss of MVR 3.7 million paid in advance by Maldives Gas to a Dubai‑based supplier for a shipment of cooking gas that never materialised.
The investigation was initiated following a motion by Mavashu MP Ahmed Shakir, who described the missing advance payment as a serious allegation involving a state‑owned company. In his letter to the committee, he noted that the funds had not been recovered and called for a formal probe.
The committee unanimously agreed to seek a written explanation from the State Trading Organisation Company, the parent company of Maldives Gas. The motion was tabled by Deputy Speaker and Dhihgaru MP Ahmed Nazim and supported by Maafannu North MP Mohamed Nazim.
Members discussed the issue at length, although no resolution was passed beyond the request for STO’s response.
According to documents reviewed by the committee, Maldives Gas paid MVR 3.7 million — equivalent to 30 per cent of the shipment value — to Jaksha Energy of Dubai in October as an advance. At the time, Maldives Gas said it was preparing legal action after the supplier failed to deliver the shipment or return the funds. Despite repeated attempts to contact the company, it remains unclear whether any legal steps have been taken.
A long‑delayed shipment of cooking gas is now expected to arrive in the Maldives in the coming week, with officials indicating it will reach the country by or before 18 February. The delivery is expected to ease weeks of disruption that left households and businesses struggling to secure supplies.
Maldives Gas, a joint venture between STO and Champa Gas and Oil Company, is the country’s largest importer of cooking gas. It operates a single storage facility in Thilafushi with a capacity of 1.2 metric tonnes.
Gas Shipment Expected Next Week as STO Moves to Reassert Control Over Supply
