The Maldives government has announced that fishing vessels can now access fuel at State Trading Organization (STO) shed rates across 13 designated islands. This initiative aims to mitigate the impact of rising global oil prices, which have surged recently due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

According to the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, the arrangement for subsidized fuel rates will take effect immediately for all fishing vessels. Boats registered under the ‘Fahi Hakatha’ program will be eligible to procure fuel at these controlled rates from specified distribution points across the country.

The designated locations include Ihavandhoo, Hanimaadhoo, Milandhoo, Eydhafushi, Nilandhoo, Himmafushi, Dhuvaafaru, Kudahuvadhoo, Felivaru, Kooddoo, Fuvahmulah City, Hulhumeedhoo, and the Hulhumalé jetty. Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam noted that over 1.1 million liters of fuel have already been provided at special rates to ensure the industry’s stability during this period of global economic volatility.