STO has begun importing 80 categories of essential goods into the Maldives
The products are being supplied wholesale to businesses on inhabited islands
The Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade has announced that efforts are underway to distribute essential commodities to the atolls through agents working with the State Trading Organization (STO).
Previously, STO supplied only flour, sugar and rice to the atolls through its agents.
The Government is undertaking several initiatives to ensure that essential commodities remain available to the public at affordable prices without supply interruptions, while strengthening the country’s food security. Following President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s decision to expand the list of essential commodities from 26 to 80 categories, STO has begun importing the expanded range of products into the Maldives.
The 80 categories of essential goods include:
20 varieties of fruit
20 varieties of vegetables
37 types of commonly used household food items
Three essential non-food items
In a statement issued today, the ministry said it was working with private businesses to ensure that these products are available at STO-determined affordable prices on all inhabited islands.
The ministry has also made public a list of agents collaborating with STO to distribute the commodities across the atolls.
STO agents across the Maldives
Greater Malé area: 48 shops
Addu City: 10 shops
Fuvahmulah City: 6 shops
Thinadhoo City: 4 shops
Kulhudhuffushi City: 4 shops
Islands with populations exceeding 3,000: 22 shops
Islands with populations below 3,000: 38 shops
Under the distribution arrangement, STO will supply goods to the atolls at STO prices through both its direct sales operations and wholesale deliveries to local businesses. These businesses will then distribute the products to the public.
According to the ministry, the initiative is expected to strengthen small and medium-sized businesses operating on the islands by enabling them to participate in the distribution of essential commodities.
The ministry said the new system would further reinforce the Maldives’ food security and help ensure a reliable, sustainable supply of essential goods throughout the country.
It also described the initiative as part of President Muizzu’s broader policy of making essential goods and services more accessible to the public, with the aim of bringing positive improvements to people’s daily lives.
