Housing minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib has said timelines for some development projects could change due to rising fuel costs and difficulties in procuring construction materials linked to the conflict in the Middle East.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office, Minister Muththalib said the construction sector was facing challenges from both higher fuel prices and supply shortages.

However, State Trading Organization (STO), the main importer of construction materials, was working to ensure a steady supply, he added.

Fuel prices have more than doubled, the minister said, creating added strain on projects that require large quantities of fuel, including land reclamation and harbour construction.

“Our priority at the moment is to carry out projects as cost-effectively as possible,” he said.

Rather than halting projects, the government plans to adjust timelines where necessary, he said.

Minister Muththalib said these challenges were beyond the government’s control, stressing that meeting the public’s basic needs remained the top priority.

“The price of electricity has not been increased. The price of water has not been increased. The price of fuel for fishermen has not been increased. The price of cooking gas and basic food items have not been increased,” he said.

He added that once these measures are maintained, the government will continue to implement projects as efficiently as possible, although some delays are likely.