Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has accused state‑owned Maldives Gas of deliberately reducing gas supplies in the country, alleging that the shortage is linked to a profit‑sharing arrangement with a private partner.
Speaking at a political rally on Sunday evening, Yameen said the government does not need to directly import gas in order to reduce prices, and that any such effort must follow transparent procedures. He claimed that when gas is purchased during periods of scarcity “from wherever it is available,” the lack of oversight creates opportunities for corruption.
Yameen further alleged that the government is intentionally withholding gas imports despite having USD 1.2 billion in usable reserves, describing the current shortage as “manufactured” and “artificially constructed.”
His remarks come amid growing public complaints over unusually long delays in receiving gas deliveries from Maldives Gas.
Former President Abdulla Yameen at PNF’s first national assembly, October 30, 2025. (Photo/PNF)
A customer told Sun that after placing an order and waiting hours, he contacted the company’s call centre and was informed that gas was difficult to obtain. The cylinder was delivered seven hours after the order. Other sources also confirmed that households are receiving gas with significant delays.
Employees of Maldives Gas, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the company has been running low on stock for several days and is currently supplying gas by purchasing from Villa Company, which maintains a large storage facility in Thilafushi. Yameen’s comments appeared to suggest that the alleged profit‑sharing partner could be Villa’s owner, Gasim Ibrahim.
Maldives Gas is expected to replenish its stock when its next shipment arrives on February 15.
The company has faced corruption allegations in the past. In April, the Anti‑Corruption Commission (ACC) confirmed it was investigating the loss of approximately USD 250,000 in advance payments from an USD 800,000 gas shipment ordered in October 2024.