Fishing activity in the Maldives has declined sharply in recent weeks, leaving the state fisheries company Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) out of smoked fish in its outlets.

Some people who spoke to "Mihaaru News" said that there is currently no smoked fish in any of MIFCO's shops and that customers are being informed that the date it will be available is unknown.

Regarding this matter, a media official from MIFCO told "Mihaaru News" that smoked fish ran out because fishing has significantly declined during this period, affecting production.

"But since fishing is now improving, production has stabilized. God willing, within the next two days, smoked fish will be available in MIFCO shops just as before," the official said.

In addition to MIFCO, Enzi, which is the largest private seller of fish products in Male', is also selling smoked fish in limited quantities, at a rate of one kilogram per person.

"Enzi doesn't have it out for sale either. They keep it inside. When someone comes to buy fish, they bring it out and give one kilo per person," said a person who went to Enzi to buy fish.

Due to the decline in fishing during this period, the price of fish has also increased dramatically.

Global oil supplies have tightened amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, driving up prices. On social media, concerns have also been raised that fishermen in the north are staying ashore due to the high cost of fuel needed to go to sea.

However, the government has given assurance that the Maldives will not face a fuel shortage.