Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed has said the Government is taking steps to safeguard the steady supply of essential goods to the Maldives, as global disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict continue.

At a press conference held at the President’s Office by the special Cabinet committee, Minister Saeed said ensuring the availability of staple food items, essential commodities, fuel and cooking gas remains a key priority, adding that cargo inflows have increased alongside continued air connectivity from the UAE since early March, while sea-based imports remain stable.

He said authorities are expanding sourcing options by engaging with key supplier countries including India, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia, while also leveraging existing trade ties with India and the Free Trade Agreement with China to strengthen supply chains.

Minister Saeed noted that efforts are ongoing with State Trading Organization (STO) to maintain commodity security, alongside measures to expand fuel storage capacity and closely track global price movements.

He added that pressures on sectors such as construction are being assessed in coordination with the Maldives Association of Construction Industry (MACI), expressing confidence that the measures in place will ensure continued access to essential goods without major disruption.