It has been revealed that the advance payment for a gas shipment from the state-owned gas importer, Maldives Gas, has gone missing.

Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim disclosed this during a meeting of the parliament's Public Accounts Committee on Wednesday.

Nazim told the committee that the advance was paid for a shipment of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in October last year. He did not say how much money was lost.

"We have received information that the money paid by Maldives Gas as an advance payment for a gas shipment is missing. Then, no progress has been made in recovering the money," he said.

Adhadhu understands that USD 250,000 (MVR 3.85 million) was paid as an advance.

Nazim, who represents Dhiggaru constituency, said companies must ensure their procurement policy and other policies are in accordance with PCB rules.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is now investigating the case.

Maldives Gas is a joint venture between the State Trading Organization (STO) and Champa Gas and Oil Company.