Taxi Drivers Raise Concern Over Fixed Fares Amid Rising Fuel Costs

The Drivers Association of Maldives (DAM) has raised concerns over the continued enforcement of fixed taxi fares, citing increasing fuel prices and broader cost-of-living pressures.

In a statement issued yesterday, the association said maintaining current fare rates has placed a growing financial strain on drivers, particularly as petrol prices continue to rise in line with global market trends.

The association noted that taxi drivers have not received adequate government support and argued that it is unfair for drivers alone to absorb the impact of rising operational costs.

ތެލުގެ އަގަށް ގެނައި ބަދަލާ ގުޅިގެން ޓެކްސީ ޑްރައިވަރުންގެ ކަންބޮޑުވުން ފާޅުކުރުން@presidencymv @MoTCAmv @MACLmedia @PoliceMv
@mvpeoplesmajli pic.twitter.com/kXtq6OYJzl— Drivers Association of Maldives (@DriversAssocMV) March 16, 2026

According to DAM, while fuel prices in the Maldives are being adjusted in response to international market changes, there has been no corresponding action to address the economic challenges faced by drivers.

The association emphasised the need for a revision of existing taxi fares, warning that failure to do so could exacerbate financial difficulties for drivers and households that depend on taxi income, particularly in the capital, Malé.

DAM also confirmed that it has formally requested discussions with the Ministry of Transport to address the issue and find a sustainable solution.The association cautioned that continued inaction could lead to increased dissatisfaction among drivers, urging authorities to engage promptly and implement what it described as a “permanent and fair” resolution before the situation escalates.