The state should reduce fuel prices for fishermen even at its own expense, Hulhumale' South MP Dr Ahmed Shamheed has said.

Speaking during a debate in Parliament today on a resolution submitted by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP Mohamed Ibrahim, Shamheed said it was the government’s responsibility to ensure people could work without disruption.

He pointed to measures taken during the Russia–Ukraine war, when the previous MDP administration spent about MVR 2 billion to subsidize fuel.

“The state has no money today, no money to buy oil. Otherwise, why are fishermen paying MVR 33 per litre?” he said.

“A government’s duty is to ensure livelihoods are protected. The MDP government did that during the Russia war.”

Fisheries minister Ahmed Shiyam, however, said the government was working to manage fuel supply despite global pressures linked to tensions in the Middle East.

“One of the government’s priorities is to ensure Maldivian fishermen can go to sea,” he said in a post on X, adding that the situation was being managed as effectively as possible.

During the sitting, Vaikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyaad said access to subsidized fuel remained skewed, forcing fishermen to travel long distances.

He said some were required to travel to Kooddoo to purchase fuel at STO rates, often using large quantities of fuel in the process.

“By weighing three tonnes of fish, fishermen can buy 600 litres of fuel at STO rates. But to get that, they may burn up to 500 litres travelling,” he said.

Minister Shiyam also denied reports that fishing activity had halted due to fuel shortages, citing recent declines instead to reduced activity in bait fishing.

He said fishing activity was now improving and that vessels were being directed to more fish rich zones, adding that the government was closely monitoring the sector and working to address challenges faced by the industry.