Over 1.1 Million Litres of Subsidised Fuel Distributed to Fishermen, Says Fisheries Minister

The government has distributed more than 1.1 million litres of subsidised fuel to fishermen as part of efforts to safeguard the country’s fishing industry amid the ongoing Middle East conflict and rising global fuel prices.

Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam announced the figures at a press conference held at the President’s Office, stating that 958 boats have received support so far, with several vessels benefiting from multiple allocations.

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He said the main objective of the government is to encourage fishermen to continue their operations at sea despite challenging conditions, adding that the subsidised fuel programme remains a key measure in supporting the industry.

The distribution is being managed through the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO), with allocations based on vessel size. Boats over 85 feet received 5,000 litres each, vessels between 50 and 85 feet were allocated 3,000 litres, and boats under 50 feet were provided with 1,500 litres.

The largest share of fuel, 583,220 litres, was distributed through MIFCO’s main centre in Kooddoo. Other distributions included 255,445 litres from the Addu City centre, 133,004 litres from the Hulhumalé centre, 72,710 litres from Felivaru, and 62,251 litres from the Himmafushi centre.