The Government has taken additional measures to ensure uninterrupted access to essential food items across all regions of the Maldives, Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed has said.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office, Minister Saeed stated that the State Trading Organisation (STO) has been tasked with supplying essential food items to the public at affordable prices as part of food security efforts. He noted that STO is distributing goods directly in Malé and Hulhumalé, while agents are facilitating supply in islands with populations above and below 3,000.

The Minister emphasised that sustainable transportation and storage arrangements are key to maintaining stable supply chains. In this regard, Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has arranged duty-free storage facilities at Kulhudhuffushi Port and Hithadhoo Port in Addu City to strengthen regional distribution networks.

Minister Saeed also revealed that special maritime freight routes have been established to ensure the continuous delivery of goods to islands despite logistical disruptions and climate-related challenges.

He reiterated that the Government’s policy is to source essential food items from international markets where available and ensure their consistent supply to the public at the lowest sustainable prices.