The State Trading Organization (STO) has assured the public that recent difficulties in obtaining cooking gas will be resolved in the coming days, dismissing claims of a gas shortage in the Maldives.

Responding to public concern, STO said the issues are linked to supply and distribution challenges affecting its subsidiary, Maldive Gas, which is responsible for importing and distributing cooking gas nationwide.

STO noted that similar supply pressures are being experienced in regional and international markets, contributing to temporary disruptions in availability. As an interim measure, Maldive Gas has been selling 7-kilogram gas cylinders at discounted prices in place of the standard 10-kilogram cylinders.

An STO official said coordination is underway with the two companies involved in gas imports to manage distribution and maintain market stability. The official added that regulating supply during periods of disruption is a common practice to ensure equitable access.

STO said the current situation is expected to be resolved within the coming week, after which the sale of 10-kilogram gas cylinders will resume.

With Ramadan approaching, a period when household demand for cooking gas typically increases, STO said preparations are underway, as in previous years, to ensure uninterrupted supply and smoother distribution throughout the month.