Over 200 Shops Join 'Agumagu' Portal to Increase Food Price Transparency

A total of 224 shops have registered on the 'Agumagu' portal, a new digital initiative designed to help consumers track and compare the costs of essential food items across the Maldives. Launched on February 28, 2025, the platform aims to ensure that basic necessities remain affordable by providing real-time price visibility. Initially limited to businesses in the capital, Malé, the service has since expanded through the launch of the Agumagu app. This expansion allows users to access pricing data from shops located throughout the islands, broadening the tool's utility for residents outside the urban center. Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed announced that the application has seen significant early adoption, with over 3,300 downloads to date. On average, 2,700 people utilize the app daily to identify where goods are available at the lowest prices and to monitor market trends. According to the Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade, the list of essential items featured on the platform is based on standards established by both international and Maldivian authorities. This ensures that the data reflects the goods most critical to the daily needs of the population. The app provides a comprehensive breakdown of the market, allowing users to view the lowest, average, and highest prices for specific items. Additionally, the ministry highlighted a tracking feature that enables consumers to monitor price fluctuations over a rolling 10-day period, offering greater insight into market volatility. By centralizing this information, the government intends to empower consumers to make informed purchasing decisions and encourage competitive pricing among retailers, ultimately reducing the cost of living for Maldivian households.