Prices for essential commodities in Malé saw a modest increase of 0.18% in March compared to the previous month, according to the latest Essential Commodities Index released by the Maldives Bureau of Statistics (MBS).

The monthly data reveals that while the month-on-month increase was slight, prices have risen by 1.33% compared to March 2025. This fluctuation reflects varying trends across different sectors of the local market.

Despite the overall increase, certain food categories saw a decline. General food prices dropped by 0.89% from February, driven primarily by a significant 14.71% decrease in fruit prices and a 0.71% dip in the cost of vegetables. Conversely, the price of fish saw a notable surge of 8.33% during the same period.

The index also highlighted a 1.17% rise in beverage prices, with coffee costs specifically increasing by 6.68%. The most substantial spike was recorded in the energy sector, where the cost of gas and other fuels jumped by 12.48% compared to the preceding month.

The Maldives Bureau of Statistics monitors 96 different items, including food, beverages, fuel, and personal hygiene products, to compile this index. These figures remain a vital metric for the government and stakeholders to monitor inflation and manage price control measures effectively.