Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has announced that the list of essential commodities has been revised, increasing the number of items provided to the public at the lowest market prices to 80.
Speaking at the "Ahaa" forum hosted by state broadcaster PSM, Saeed stated that these newly added items will be supplied through the State Trading Organisation (STO) at the most competitive prices available in the market at any given time.
The list previously consisted of 26 items. This included staples such as rice, sugar, and flour, along with 10 varieties of fruit, 10 varieties of vegetables, lentils, eggs, and potatoes.
According to Saeed, the vegetable and fruit categories have each been expanded to 20 varieties. Additionally, the list now includes 37 items catering to infants and the elderly, as well as three non-food essential items.
"The objective is to ensure that these 80 items are available to citizens across all atolls, regardless of where they live, at the lowest possible prices. This includes vegetables, fruits, and various items beneficial to public health," Saeed said.
While the figures cited by the Minister bring the total to 86 items, he did not specify the breakdown of all the newly added commodities. The full details of the new additions and the final confirmed count remain unclear.
Regarding the distribution mechanism, Saeed explained that STO provides these goods at wholesale rates to Male' and the four other cities across the Maldives.
The initiative is being implemented by categorising administrative divisions into four groups based on population: Male', the cities, islands with populations over 3,000, and islands with populations under 3,000. In Male', these goods will be available through STO outlets as well as wholesale to retail businesses. For the atolls, the service will be accessible through STO shops and designated agents in Addu City, Fuvahmulah City, Thinadhoo City, and Kulhudhuffushi City.
Saeed noted that the biggest challenge lies in supplying these goods to islands with populations of fewer than 3,000 people. However, he stated that arrangements are currently being finalised to ensure direct access to these items for the majority of those islands.
