The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade has announced that specialised fuel skids, designed to provide affordable fuel to the nation’s fishermen, will be completed within three months. The initiative, directed by the Economic Ministry, seeks to ensure fuel is available at standard STO rates across every atoll.
When President Dr Mohamed Muizzu assumed office, his administration faced widespread grievances from the fishing community, particularly in the outer atolls, where reasonably priced fuel had long been lacking. In response, the government launched the construction of localised fuel skids to guarantee equitable access to affordable energy nationwide.
The rollout is advancing swiftly, with structural teams reporting substantial progress. Haris Mohamed, Minister of State for Economic Development and Trade, told PSM News that 78 percent of the development has already been finalised. He expressed confidence that the entire operation would be completed within the three-month timeframe. “In accordance with the commitments outlined in the President’s Presidential Address, efforts are actively underway to guarantee that fuel is available at standard STO prices throughout every atoll in the Maldives,” Haris said, adding, “Seventy-eight percent of the physical construction has currently been finalised.”
Haris further explained: “These efforts encompass the pouring of foundations on various islands, the subterranean installation of necessary piping, as well as the importation and subsequent inter-island transportation of essential physical equipment.” He noted, “The inaugural skid of this comprehensive project was officially launched in the island of R. [Raa Atoll] Dhuvaafaru during December of the preceding year.”
The Dhuvaafaru facility was inaugurated to coincide with national Fishermen’s Day celebrations. The government intends to establish similar skids across seventeen additional islands, completing a nationwide network managed by the State Trading Organization (STO) and its subsidiary, Fuel Supply Maldives (FSM).
The fisheries sector remains a central priority for the current administration. Since early 2024, the government has cleared all arrears owed to fishermen and introduced a streamlined payment system ensuring compensation within 48 hours. Officials have pledged to establish all facilities demanded by the fishing community, asserting that every measure will be implemented to foster growth, modernisation, and long-term sustainability in the Maldivian fishing industry.