The State Trading Organization Plc (STO) continues to sell oranges at a controlled price of MVR 40 per kilogram (about MVR 5.7 to MVR 6.7 per orange) as Ramadan unfolds in the Maldives. Recent market reports confirm this steady pricing at STO outlets, even as independent vendors in locales like Malé and Hulhumalé display retail prices ranging from MVR 12 to MVR 15 per orange in some shops and market stalls.
Retail price fluctuations across local markets have been tied to supply shortages and delayed shipments, with certain stalls at times reporting stock depletion or higher piece prices. Traders and consumers have indicated that constrained supply, particularly before Ramadan, pushed orange rates in some settings above usual levels.
Amid these conditions, STO’s pricing policy aims to anchor affordability for consumers by offering oranges at the stable rate of MVR 40 per kilogram throughout the month. Reports show STO’s consistent price offering seeks to counteract unpredictable retail price swings in the broader market, where private stocks and logistics delays have influenced costs.
Alongside oranges, STO is closely monitoring and managing prices for a broader set of 23 essential food items, including a range of fruits and vegetables, with measures to strengthen supply continuity and fairness during the fasting period.
As supply conditions continue to settle with increased shipments entering the market and clearance processes progressing, traders have begun adjusting prices downward, and further normalization of orange prices is anticipated in the coming days.
In summary:
- STO’s official orange price remains fixed at MVR 40/kg despite market volatility.
- Independent retailers report MVR 12 to MVR 15 per orange in some outlets.
- Supply delays have contributed to temporary price surges in local markets.
- Enhanced supply and monitoring efforts are supporting price stabilization.
