Government Expands Subsidised Fuel Access to Meedhoo to Support Local Fishermen

The Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources has expanded its subsidised fuel scheme to Meedhoo in Dhaalu Atoll, providing critical relief to fishing vessels facing rising operational costs. This expansion comes as a strategic response to a sharp increase in global oil prices, triggered by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The volatility of the energy market has placed significant financial pressure on the Maldives' fishing industry, a cornerstone of the national economy. Under the administration of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, stabilizing the fishing sector has become a priority. To ensure affordable energy access, the government has expanded its distribution network from four original points to 14 sites, with Meedhoo becoming the latest addition in Dhaalu Atoll. Fuel distribution is managed through the state-run Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) with allocations based on vessel size. Boats longer than 85 feet are eligible for up to 5,000 litres, while vessels between 50 and 85 feet receive 3,000 litres. Smaller boats under 50 feet are allocated 1,500 litres. The Ministry reported that over 2.5 million litres of subsidised fuel have already been released to date. The initiative aims to curb the surge in overhead costs, allowing fishing communities to maintain their margins despite the unstable global market. Currently, the subsidy program reaches almost every atoll in the archipelago. Distribution centers for Raa and Thaa Atolls are currently in the planning stages. By decentralizing fuel access, the government intends to reduce travel time and expenses for fishermen, directly improving the economic returns for island communities across the Maldives.