The government’s special cabinet committee on essential supplies says the Maldives continues to maintain stable availability of food, fuel and medicine, even as global supply risks rise due to tensions in the Middle East.
At a press briefing held Tuesday at the President’s Office, Committee Chair and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel said authorities have been closely monitoring developments since 28 February and are preparing contingency measures to minimise any disruption to the country.
He said the government is identifying alternative sourcing markets and engaging stakeholders to ensure supply chains remain resilient in the event of external shocks.
Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed said 164 essential items are currently being tracked on a daily basis, confirming that no shortages have been recorded to date. He added that coordination with importers is ongoing to maintain stable supply levels.
Responding to questions, Saeed acknowledged that while the government cannot directly control supply-side price shocks originating in global markets, it can mitigate their impact domestically. He said this is being done through diversification of sourcing markets and facilitating trade flows for private sector importers to reduce exposure to disruptions.
On logistics-related pressures, Saeed noted that global supply chain disruptions are already translating into higher shipping costs, including increased spot freight rates, longer routing diversions, and elevated financing costs due to higher interest rate premia. He cautioned that the extent to which the government can absorb such cost increases is inherently limited.
He also pointed to structural constraints within the Maldives’ port system, stating that the over-utilisation of the Malé Commercial Harbour is adding further strain to the situation. He acknowledged that the need to migrate to a larger, modern port has long been recognised but had not been implemented by previous administrations.
In contrast, Saeed said President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has committed to relocating the Malé Commercial Harbour to Thilafushi, with a target timeline of approximately one and a half years, aiming for completion by November 2027. He said earlier governments had highlighted the importance of such a move but had not taken substantive steps toward implementation.
Until that transition is realised, Saeed said the government’s approach will focus on proactive market monitoring, close coordination with the port sector, and streamlining cargo clearance and logistics operations to prevent stock-outs from being felt by the public.
Separately, Saeed confirmed that discussions are ongoing with the State Trading Organisation and Villa Gas following a recent increase in liquefied petroleum gas prices, adding that a resolution will be announced in due course.
Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim said there are currently no plans to increase electricity tariffs, while noting that tourism demand remains stable despite global uncertainty. Although arrivals in March were lower compared to the same period last year, he said stronger airline seat occupancy signals resilience in the sector.
Khaleel also referred to recently announced fiscal consolidation measures, stating they are being implemented in a way that avoids placing undue burden on citizens.
He reiterated that Maldivian territory will not be permitted for use in any military or warfare-related capacity, affirming that the government’s position on neutrality remains unchanged.
The committee said its work is being carried out under the direct supervision of President Muizzu and in line with his directives, while expressing appreciation for cooperation from government agencies, industry stakeholders and private sector partners involved in maintaining national supply stability.
