Former President Mohamed Nasheed has said that Maldives could face a fuel shortage if disruptions in the Middle East continue, calling for measures to manage fuel supplies.
In a post on X, Nasheed said he estimates that about 70 million litres of diesel and 25 million litres of petrol are currently stored in Maldives, including stocks held by STO and the private sector.
According to his estimate, the current reserves would be enough for only around 20 days.
“The Maldives has a high chance of facing a fuel crisis,” Nasheed said.
Nasheed outlined several steps he believes the country should consider to manage a potential shortage:
- Identify fuel storage capacity within the Maldivian private sector
- Introduce scheduled power outages
- Control road traffic
- Reduce opening hours of government offices and schools
- Limit social activities
- Secure fuel supplies for fisheries and resorts
- Ensure adequate aviation fuel supplies
- Identify alternative air and sea routes that do not pass through West Asia and adjust supply chains accordingly
He said such measures should be considered as other countries are also taking steps to manage rising fuel costs.
The warning comes amid disruptions in global oil markets following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran.
Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel said at a press conference at the President’s Office on Thursday that the Maldives imports most of its fuel from the Middle East and that the government is seeking alternative sources due to the conflict.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Maldives had also requested assistance from the Indian government to procure fuel.
With global fuel prices rising by 25–30 percent, the government has said it will take necessary measures in response to changing commodity prices.
Earlier in the conflict, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu assured that the Maldives would continue to receive fuel supplies without disruption.
