The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade has announced that 23 food items will soon be sold at controlled prices through the State Trading Organization (STO), following a Cabinet decision aimed at tackling the recent surge in grocery costs.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu confirmed the move, describing it as an important step toward strengthening national food security and easing pressure on household budgets. Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed said the reduced prices will take effect from 15 October.

The newly subsidised products include:

This decision comes amid sharp price hikes for many everyday ingredients, driven in part by the high cost of U.S. dollars on the black market, now exceeding MVR 20.

The Government maintains that the measure is a short-term response to stabilise prices while longer-term plans to boost domestic farming continue.