Ramadan marks a time of increased demand for food items. In the past few years, prices of goods have been marked up for Ramadan, creating financial burdens for ordinary citizens. As such, the government has made preparations to ensure food security this Ramadan, similar to the prior year.
The government has been making important adjustments to facilitate citizens’ access to affordable food, not just in Ramadan, but throughout the whole year. As part of this, amendments have been made to the essential food list, bringing the number of items from 23 to 26 under the directive of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
The list comprises of rice, sugar, flour and the most commonly used 10 fruits and vegetables each in local cuisine, as well as chicken eggs, lentils and coconuts. State Trading Organisation (STO) have put these items up for sale in the market at reduced prices for Ramadan.
This year in particular, the government has compiled a list of 160 essential household items to monitor rates weekly and intervene in cases of price hikes in the market.
STO has established a comprehensive system for continuous supply of food items to islands in preparation for Ramadan this year.
Islands exceeding populations of 3,000 are guaranteed an STO agent, with smaller islands also set to receive necessary food items. Furthermore, the newly constructed distribution warehouses in Male’ and Hulhumale’ will ease storage and supply of items.
“Our aim is that the prices do not exceed the usual market rates. In addition to the essential food items determined by the President, if other items rise in price, the Ministry will intervene with the necessary authorities to work to stabilise the prices. We greatly guarantee that food items will not increase in price from today.” The Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Thoriq Ahmed reiterated.
These measures taken by the government aim to increase the availability of food, providing a peaceful and stress-free environment for fasting in the holy month of Ramadan.