President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has launched a project to establish fuel storage facilities in all atolls of the Maldives.
State Trading Organisation (STO) Managing Director Shimad Ibrahim stated that the project aims to set up fuel storage in every atoll by February 2026, making fuel more accessible for fishermen and the general public. The fuel setup in Hulhumale’ was completed in January this year, and STO currently provides fuel at base rates from FSM sheds in GA Kooddoo and N Felivaru islands. The company plans to complete the fuel setup in Addu City Hulhumeedhoo by February 2025.
Additionally, fuel setups are scheduled for completion in HA Ihavandhoo, HDh Hanimaadhoo, F Nilandhoo, GDh Faresmaathodaa, and Fuvahmulah City by October 2025. Further setups will be created in Sh Milandhoo, N Manadhoo, B Thulhaadhoo, V Felidhoo, Th Hirilandhoo, R Dhuvaafaru, AA Mathiveri, M Mulah, Dh Kudahuvadhoo, and L Gan by February 2026.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam reiterated the President’s pledge to provide fuel at STO rates in at least one island of each atoll and to declare fuel a basic necessity. He emphasised that the President was focused on long-term solutions to eliminate the longstanding reliance on temporary measures in the sector. The Minister also confirmed that the administration aims to address the core issues facing the sector within its first three years.
The provision of fuel at base rates through STO was a key pledge in the Dhivehinge Raajje manifesto.
Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef and senior government officials attended the ceremony.