The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Abdul Ghafoor Moosa has accused the government of robbing the people of MVR 3.5 million a day by increasing the price of oil despite having a stock of oil purchased at low rates.

The MDP launched its manifesto for the April 4 local council elections at a rally held at Artificial Beach last night (March 8). Speaking at the rally, Hanimaadhoo MP Ghafoor said the government had increased oil prices by deceiving the public.

"The expensive oil will come to the Maldives after April 1. However, two days after [President Muizzu guaranteed oil supply], the price of oil had increased by MVR 3.50 per litre," Ghafoor stated.

At a press conference at the President's Office last week, Muizzu said there were no concerns about the oil issue. However, on March 5, the State Trading Organization (STO) hiked oil prices sharply.

Oil prices are rising sharply in the world market due to the US-Israel war against Iran.