Finance Minister Moosa Zameer announced that in addition to Oman, where fuel shipments are regularly brought to Maldives from, an additional shipment has been loaded at Singapore now, which is expected to be shipped early next month.
The cabinet committee formed by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to address challenges arising from the Middle East conflict held a press conference this afternoon.
Speaking at this press conference, Minister Zameer said that further efforts are also being undertaken to ensure Maldives is able to manage fuel supply without a shortage.
He assured that, even at present, Maldives has an adequate stock of fuel.
"In the beginning of April, a vessel loaded at Singapore will arrive. It will have both diesel and petrol. And then on the 4th or 5th, another shipment of fuel will come from Sohar, in Oman," he announced.
Under the present circumstances, Maldives has sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel for day-to-day needs, the Minister said.
Zameer went on to say that fuel prices have doubled in the global market now, and even then, the government has no intention of raising fuel prices.
"As if may severely affect some industries, and may cause immense loss to the public, we are subsidizing in various ways and continuing to go ahead without raising fuel prices. What the government is doing now is providing fuel at reasonable prices to fishermen, those filling tanks at Male's petrol pumps, and other service seekers," Zameer stated.
At present, STO is selling a litre of petrol at MVR 16.01, and a litre of diesel at MVR 17.54.
Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed also announced last night that, as per the arranged schedule, two additional shipments of fuel were brought by STO last week.
Saeed said that fuel is imported to Maldives by STO under a nomination arrangement made ahead with suppliers based on demand in the country.
Finance Minister Zameer further said that due to the rise in fuel prices, efforts are being made to sell fuel at subsidized rates to those working in certain industries.
He said that the current trajectory of the war suggests that it is not about to abruptly end in the near future. Hence, the government is taking this into account, and preparing ahead for the next six months, he assured.
Zameer said that the situation is being closely monitored, and the government is making every effort to maintain the country's reserves at an adequate level. He stated that the government is working to ensure that necessary services are provided to the public without interruption.
Zameer said that the government is working to facilitate essential foreign payments for medical needs and students abroad, ensure adequate staple food supplies, and keep commodity prices stable.
