The Government has begun supplying staple food items to islands with populations exceeding 3,000, as part of efforts to prevent price increases during the upcoming month of Ramadan, Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed has said.

Responding to a journalist’s question at today’s press conference, Minister Saeed stated that the State Trading Organization (STO), in collaboration with the Ministry, has initiated measures to maintain stable prices of essential goods. He noted that since President Dr Mohamed Muizzu assumed office, prices have remained largely stable during the past two Ramadan periods, with no significant increases recorded in recent months.

The minister said the President has tasked STO with ensuring the availability of 23 basic food items, including 10 types of fruits and vegetables and three other food categories. According to Minister Saeed, prices of these items will remain unchanged apart from minor adjustments, and uninterrupted market availability has been assured.

To strengthen access, the Government has decided that STO will directly supply these goods to islands with populations of more than 3,000. For smaller islands, distribution will be arranged through appointed agents.

In addition, Minister Saeed announced that while the wholesale centre in Malé has been providing this service, with similar facilities to be set up in key population centres such as Addu City and Kulhudhuffushi, to ensure a steady supply of essential goods throughout Ramadan.