Govt secures new cement suppliers to maintain supply
Cement has recently become limited in the market following challenges in imports linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed has stated that arrangements have been made with four additional suppliers to import cement to the Maldives.
He made the statement at a press conference on Tuesday, noting that the move is intended to maintain supply in the event of disruptions affecting existing suppliers.
Cement has recently become limited in the market following challenges in imports linked to the conflict in the Middle East. A 50kg bag of cement, which was previously available for less than MVR 100, is now being sold at higher prices. Villa Hakatha has increased its price to above MVR 300 per bag, while Apollo has reported that it has been out of stock since the start of the month, with no confirmed date for new shipments.
Responding to questions from the media, Saeed said that if supply constraints arise within the State Trading Organisation (STO), additional suppliers are prepared to provide cement.
“Even if there are constraints within STO’s current supply market, we now have four additional suppliers ready to provide cement. This has been facilitated through collaborative efforts with friendly nations. Therefore, even if previous markets face disruptions, four other parties remain ready to supply,” he said.
Saeed said the government’s objective since the onset of the conflict has been to ensure that essential goods remain available in the market.
He added that arrangements have been made in coordination with STO and private businesses to source goods from multiple markets.
“The government is working to prevent any situation where essential goods might become unavailable in the market. Such a situation will not arise,” he said.
