STO to ease onion shortage caused by bad weather

State Trading Organisation (STO) has announced plans to bring a stock of onions to alleviate the shortage in Male'.

The move comes as bad weather continues to disrupt cargo clearance at the Male' Commercial Port, causing delays in unloading perishable goods, including onions.

STO said it is working to find an immediate solution to the supply disruption and hopes to bring onions to the market soon.

The company regularly steps in to stabilise food prices and ensure availability of essential goods during shortages. Last year, STO also imported onions during a similar supply disruption.

In addition to onions, STO supplies other essential perishable goods such as garlic, lemon, chilies, eggs, and potatoes.

The current shortage follows delays of the weekly onion supply due to worsening weather conditions. Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) saidthat four cargo vessels carrying perishables are currently docked at the port, including one that arrived earlier today.

“Cargo operations have been ongoing since yesterday for three ships, but heavy rain has disrupted unloading,” an MPL spokesperson said.

“As soon as weather conditions allow, operations will resume.”

Prior to the shortage, onions were priced between MVR 350 and MVR 400 per sack. Current market prices range from MVR 18 to MVR 25 per kilogram.