So far this year, expenditure on subsidies has reached MVR 3.2 billion, spending 10 percent more than the amount budgeted for subsidies.

Figures published by the Ministry of Finance show that this is a 77 percent increase compared to the same period last year. In that regard, during the same period last year, MVR 1.8 billion was spent on subsidies.

The government provides subsidies across various sectors. Among these, the largest expenditure is incurred on fuel subsidy, transport subsidy, and subsidies provided for waste and sewerage services.

With expenditure on subsidies increasing to such an extent, following the rise in oil prices in the global market, the government has provided additional assistance to STO to control prices.

That is one reason subsidy expenses increased so significantly this year.

In this year's budget, a large amount was allocated for other assistance. In that regard, while MVR 2.8 billion was set aside for that purpose in the budget, MVR 1.4 billion has been spent so far.

In addition to general subsidies, MVR 135 million was spent for medical needs through NSPA, while MVR 1.2 billion was also spent on the Aasandha scheme. Furthermore, MVR 2 billion was budgeted this year for expenditure on Aasandha.