Govt monitors 164 essential goods amid supply concerns
Saeed noted that no shortages of essential goods have been reported over the past month.
Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed has stated that the government is monitoring 164 types of essential goods to maintain supply in the Maldives.
He made the statement on Tuesday at a press conference held at the President’s Office by a special Cabinet committee established to address the impact of the Middle East conflict.
Saeed said the government has been assessing potential effects on the national economy and implementing measures since the start of the conflict. He noted that no shortages of essential goods have been reported over the past month.
The minister said meetings were held with major importers on the first of this month to review supply conditions. He added that concerns were raised regarding cargo clearance, and that the ministry has worked with relevant authorities to address these issues.
“We are working closely with the country’s major importers and are monitoring the market dynamics and the status of 164 essential commodities on a daily basis,” Saeed said.
He said the government’s objective is to prevent shortages and ensure access to basic goods. Arrangements have been made with the State Trading Organisation (STO) and private businesses to source goods from multiple markets.
“The government is working to ensure that we do not encounter a situation where essential goods become unavailable in the market,” he said.
Saeed also stated that while international price changes cannot be controlled, the government aims to manage their impact on consumers.
In addition, he said arrangements have been made to ensure the supply of construction materials. He noted that if STO faces difficulties in sourcing cement, four additional suppliers have been identified to support imports.
