Onion Shipments Expedited Amid Shortage and Rising Prices
MPL workers unloading sacks of onion | Photo: MPL
Amid ongoing bad weather conditions, Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) intensified its cargo operations yesterday and last night to facilitate the movement of perishable goods.
As a result, three boats carrying essential cargo, including onions, were successfully dispatched from the Malé Commercial Port.
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The shipment included 4,720 sacks of onions. An additional 3,840 sacks were offloaded from a vessel that arrived at the port earlier, according to a post on X by MPL.
Despite challenging weather conditions, our teams worked tirelessly to dispatch three boats carrying perishable goods, including 4,720 sacks of onions.
An additional 3,840 sacks are expected to be cleared at Malé Commercial Harbour today, subject to weather conditions.… pic.twitter.com/QeZ1PNGJxK— Maldives Ports Limited (@Portmv) July 30, 2025
“An additional 3,840 sacks are expected to be cleared at Malé Commercial Harbour today, subject to weather conditions,” MPL said on X.
Supply Shortages Lead to Price Surge
The recent disruption in supply has caused a significant shortage of onions in Malé and Hulhumalé markets. Many shops reported being out of stock, with some halting onion sales entirely.
Prices have surged as a result, with onions now retailing at MVR 70 to MVR 75 per kilogram in some areas—a sharp increase from the previous average of MVR 15 to MVR 20 per kilogram. Vendors cite difficulties in sourcing onions as the main reason for the price hike.
To address the shortage, State Trading Organisation (STO) has decided to bring in a shipment of onions, though it is not clear when it will arrive yet. STO usually bring in shipments of such perishable food around Ramadan time each year.
