Gov’t Expands Subsidised Fuel Supply to More Islands Amid Fishermen Complaints

The government has announced arrangements to expand access to subsidised fuel for fishing vessels across more islands, following complaints over limited availability and inconsistent pricing.

In a statement, authorities said that from April 22, 2026, all fishing vessels will be able to obtain fuel at State Trading Organisation (STO) shed rates, with additional measures introduced to widen access for vessels registered under the “Fahi Hakatha” programme.

Under the new arrangement, eligible vessels will be able to purchase fuel at subsidised prices from a broader network of locations, including HA. Ihavandhoo, HDh. Hanimaadhoo, Sh. Milandhoo, B. Eydhafushi, F. Nilandhoo, K. Himmafushi, R. Dhuvaafaru, Dh. Kudahuvadhoo, Lh. Felivaru, GA. Kooddoo, Fuvahmulah, Hulhumeedhoo, and the Hulhumalé jetty.

މަސްވެރިކަން ކުރާ ހުރިހާ ދޯނިފަހަރަށް 22 އޭޕްރީލް 2026 އިން ފެށިގެން އެސްޓީއޯ ޝެޑް ރޭޓުގައި ތެޔޮ ލިބޭނެ އިންތިޒާމް ސަރުކާރުން ހަމަޖައްސައިފި.

ފަހި ހަކަތައިގައި ރަޖިސްޓްރީ ވެފައިވާ ދޯނިތަކަށް ސަބްސިޑައިޒް އަގުގައި ތިރީގައި ބަޔާންކޮށްފައިވާ ރަށްރަށުން ތެޔޮ ލިބޭނެ އިންތިޒާމް… pic.twitter.com/KBcOXtbF7Y— Min of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources (@MFAORmv) April 21, 2026

The development comes amid concerns raised by fishermen in a report by Dhauru, which questioned government claims that fuel is consistently available at subsidised rates.

According to the report, fishermen said subsidised fuel—priced at MVR 28.24 per litre—is currently available only in limited quantities through the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company. Boats over 85 feet are eligible for up to 1,200 litres, while smaller vessels can access up to 800 litres at the reduced rate.

Fishermen argued that these limits are often insufficient, citing the additional fuel required for travel, preparation, and bait fishing. They also noted that while fuel is available in unlimited quantities from suppliers such as Fuel Supplies Maldives (FSM) in Kooddoo, it is sold at the higher, non-subsidised rate of MVR 31.33 per litre.

Responding to the concerns, Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam said on Saturday that the government continues to ensure that fishermen are able to operate despite challenges, including fluctuations in global oil prices. In a post on X, he stated that efforts have been made to manage fuel costs without passing the burden onto fishermen.