Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has stated that the government is doing its best to ensure the soaring fuel prices do not affect fishermen.

The minister has denied some of the media reports that fishing companies and vessels have been experiencing difficulties in acquiring fuel to meet their needs.

As per a post on X, the minister said that even with the difficulties brought on by the ongoing war in the Middle East, one of the assurances from the government is "to ensure fishermen can sail out to sea." The minister also said that the government is managing fuel as best they can.

"One of the assurances from the government during such difficult times is to ensure fishermen can sail out to sea. Even though fuel prices have spiked in the world market, the government is managing fuel as best we can so that Maldivian fishermen do not experience any difficulties," as was written in the post on X.

According to the minister, even fishermen have gratefully acknowledged these efforts.

The minister went on to say that fishing in Maldives has dipped in recent times due to a reduction in the catch of bait fish across the country over a long period of time. He did say however, that since the fishermen's catch of bait fish has gotten better, fishing as a whole is beginning to get better as well.

"With that, we will be able to send the fishing boats to places where they can get a good catch. The government is closely monitoring the fishermen's situation and working to give them the best possible options," said Shiyam.

Minister Shiyam stated that the government is working on many fronts by holding discussions with companies in the fishing industry to find solutions to the obstacles they are facing.