Cargo boats travelling to the islands have raised fees after oil prices doubled in the Maldives due to the war in the Middle East.

Some cargo boat owners told Adhadhu that they were forced to double the fees due to the sudden hike in oil prices.

The fee to transport one water bottle case has increased from MVR 10 to MVR 20.

Zuhair, owner of the Kulhudhuffushi Bahadharu boat, said the price would be changed on the upcoming trips. He noted that fuel is now available at MVR 29.27 per litre.

Another owner said he was considering a "fuel charge" for each luggage item instead of a permanent increase in the fees. This will make it easier to reduce or eliminate the charge when oil prices fall, he said.

As a result of these changes, the price of goods sold in the islands is expected to increase in the future.

The price of refined oil has risen above USD 200 a barrel, forcing speedboats and taxis to limit trips.

The government promised to provide cheap fuel to the fishermen, but has not done so yet.