Foreign Minister Abdullah Khaleel has said that the government is looking into buying oil from other countries besides Oman.

Speaking at a press conference held by the special cabinet committee yesterday (March 29), Khaleel said the government was also looking at other routes to import basic foodstuffs.

“Formal talks with several countries have already begun as part of efforts to explore additional avenues for the Maldives to ensure continuous supply of essential commodities such as food, fuel and medicines,” Khaleel said.

Iran had recently attacked Oman's Salalah port and other oil storage and processing facilities. Experts believe that the Maldives may not be able to purchase oil from Oman in the near future.

Khaleel said progress has been made in discussions to purchase oil from another country. But he did not name the country.

There is no difficulty in importing oil to the Maldives, he said. The minister also assured that oil and gas will be imported without interruption.