According to statistics, food prices in the city rose last month compared to the previous month and August of last year.
The Essential Commodities Price Index, compiled by the Bureau of Statistics, was released on Tuesday, detailing changes in the prices of essential commodities in the city last month.
According to the data, from July to August this year, prices of essential commodities rose by 1.19 percent. Prices were up 1.92 percent in August compared to the same month last year.
Food prices increased by 1.62 percent from July to August. The gap widened compared to August last year, with prices up two percent.
Local Market in Male'. (Sun Photo/Mohamed Maavee)
According to the statistics, the price of fruit has risen the most. The month-on-month increase was 6.13 percent, up 10.2 percent from the previous year.
Vegetable prices rose by 2.23 percent from July to August. However, vegetable prices declined by 6.32 percent last month compared to the same period last year.
Looking at the change in some other food prices:
Milk and dairy products and eggs:
July to August: 0.53 percent increase
August 2024 to August 2025: an increase of 4.04 percent
Fish:
July to August: 0.72 percent increase
August 2024 to August 2025: an increase of 0.49 percent
Meat products:
July to August: 0.78 percent decline
August 2024 to August 2025: 0.01 percent decline
According to the Maldives Bureau of Statistics, the index of changes in prices of essential commodities is compiled based on more than 2,000 price quotations each month for 96 products. The index is based on food prices, as well as changes in the prices of various beverages and personal care products such as soaps.
The Bureau of Statistics also publishes the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to measure inflation. In addition, Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed announced the introduction of the Essential Commodity Price Index last month.
Saeed said this index will help identify the prices of commonly used items by households and take necessary measures to control prices.
A man sells watermelon at the Local Market in Male' on March 11, 2024. (Sun Photo/Moosa Nadheem)
Maldives is an import-dependent country, and there is growing concern that food prices, especially fruits and vegetables, are rising to unaffordable levels.
The prices of apples and oranges, which are the most commonly eaten foods in the country, have noticeably risen, and prices are also rising in cafes and restaurants.