President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has officially launched a project aimed at establishing fuel storage facilities in every atoll of the Maldives, enhancing fuel accessibility for the public and local fishermen.

Shimad Ibrahim, the Managing Director of the State Trading Organisation (STO), outlined that the project aims to complete fuel storage installations in all atolls by February 2026, with the goal of making fuel available at base rates.

The Hulhumale’ fuel setup was completed earlier this year in January, and STO is currently providing fuel at base rates from FSM sheds in GA Kooddoo and N Felivaru.

The company plans to finish the fuel setup in Addu City Hulhumeedhoo by February 2025, and continue the development in other locations, including HA Ihavandhoo, HDh Ihavandhoo, HDh Hanimaadhoo, F Nilandhoo, GDh Faresmaathodaa, and Fuvahmulah City by October 2025.

Further setups will be completed by February 2026 in various other islands, including Sh Milandhoo, N Manadhoo, B Thulhaadhoo, V Felidhoo, Th Hirilandhoo, R Dhuvaafaru, and several others.

Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam, affirmed that this initiative reflects the President's commitment to providing fuel at affordable rates in at least one island of each atoll, and recognising fuel as a basic necessity.

He also highlighted the administration’s dedication to addressing the sector's longstanding challenges and moving away from temporary fixes. This project aligns with the fuel provision pledge made in the Dhivehinge Raajje manifesto.

The ceremony was attended by Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef and other senior government officials.