Nasheed Warns of Potential Fuel Shortage in Maldives

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has warned that the Maldives could face a fuel shortage if disruptions in the Middle East continue, urging the country to consider measures to manage fuel supplies.

In a post on X, Nasheed estimated that around 70 million litres of diesel and 25 million litres of petrol are currently stored in the Maldives, including stocks held by the State Trading Organisation and private sector suppliers. Based on his estimate, the existing reserves would be sufficient for only about 20 days.

Nasheed said the Maldives faces a significant risk of a fuel crisis if supply disruptions persist.

He outlined several measures that could be considered to manage a potential shortage. These include identifying additional fuel storage capacity within the Maldivian private sector, introducing scheduled power outages, controlling road traffic and reducing the operating hours of government offices and schools. Other proposed measures include limiting social activities, securing fuel supplies for the fisheries sector and tourist resorts, ensuring adequate aviation fuel availability and identifying alternative air and sea routes that do not pass through West Asia in order to adjust supply chains.

The warning comes amid disruptions in global oil markets following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran.

Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel said during a press conference at the President’s Office that the Maldives imports most of its fuel from the Middle East and that the government is seeking alternative supply sources due to the ongoing conflict.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also said the Maldives had requested assistance from the Ministry of External Affairs (India) to procure fuel.

With global fuel prices rising by between 25 and 30 per cent, the government has stated that it will take necessary measures in response to changing commodity prices. Earlier in the conflict, President Mohamed Muizzu assured that the Maldives would continue to receive fuel supplies without disruption.