Bank of Maldives (BML) has reported a sharp increase in the amount of US dollars supplied to individuals and businesses so far this year, with the bank releasing USD 69 million more than it has purchased by the end of May.

Figures published by BML show that the bank sold a total of USD 345 million to customers during the first five months of 2026. The amount includes foreign currency provided for outward remittances, telegraphic transfers (TTs), business imports and overseas transactions carried out using Maldivian rufiyaa debit and credit cards.

The figures translate to an average of USD 69 million in dollar sales per month, significantly higher than the monthly average recorded last year.

In 2025, BML supplied USD 566 million in foreign currency over the course of the year, averaging USD 47 million per month.

The data also highlights a substantial increase in support provided to businesses importing goods. During 2025, BML released USD 175 million for imports, averaging USD 15 million per month. By the end of May this year, the bank had already provided USD 147 million for import-related transactions, equivalent to an average of USD 29 million per month.

Foreign currency released for overseas spending through Maldivian rufiyaa debit and credit cards has also increased. BML supplied USD 390 million for card transactions during 2025, averaging USD 33 million per month. In the first five months of 2026 alone, the bank released USD 198 million for overseas card spending, raising the monthly average to USD 40 million.

Customers also carried out 3.1 million overseas transactions using Maldivian rufiyaa debit and credit cards during the first five months of the year.