Maldives Receives $90 Million from International Bunker Services, Says Economic Minister

Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has stated that the Maldives has received 90.07 million US dollars (approximately 1.39 billion Maldivian Rufiyaa) from international bunker services launched in the country. The minister made these remarks while defending himself during a no-confidence motion proceedings held in the People's Majlis on Wednesday. Speaking at the Majlis session, the minister detailed the significant economic and business achievements gained by the government. He stated that besides the large income received from bunker services, the amount of dollars sold through BML at a rate of 15.42 during the previous presidency of Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has increased by 80 percent under this government. Speaking about the security of the country's basic commodities, Saeed said that due to the work of the Crisis Committee formed by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in connection with the Iran-US naval conflict in the global market, 'with God's grace,' the country was saved from oil, gas, and card shortages without any issues. He also noted that the Ministry of Economic monitors the prices of 164 items once a day to maintain market prices, and that the list of basic commodities has been expanded to 80. Regarding the expansion of port services, the minister stated that the aim is to bring Thilafushi International Port into operation by November 2027. He further highlighted that if cargo unloading from boats is completely transferred to Thilafushi by the end of December 2026, it will resolve traffic congestion at Male and Hulhumale Quays. Speaking about the ministry's transparency and its work, the minister stated that the 12 business centers in the Maldives are continuously providing services without interruption. He also mentioned that in the past period, they responded to 192 RTIs, met with the media 184 times, and have been fully accountable to the Majlis.