No shortage of staple foods: STO

STO, the state-owned trading company that imports rice, sugar and flour, has said that it is providing enough staple food items to the Maldives, and that there is no shortage of it.

While some residents of Hulhumale have expressed concern that some shops are running out of staple food items, most shops in the locality are currently rationing rice at 2 kg per person.

When asked about it, STO spokesperson Yusuf Shah said that there is no shortage of staple foods in the market.

"At times, it may be that agents are not being able to supply to the shops as the bridge hours are limited. We have an agent method for staple food supply. The agents buy from this end (STO) and deliver it to the shops," Shah said.

On the first day of the fasting month, there was a shortage of food staples in Hulhumale. STO has decided to open a wholesale store in Hulhumale to sell staple foods.