Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has said the government is taking steps to expedite the availability of milk and sunflower oil in the local market, following requests from businesses to prioritise key food items.
Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office, Saeed said that while there are currently no shortages in the market, authorities are acting proactively to ensure continued availability as delays affect incoming shipments.
He noted that around 4,200 containers linked to the Maldives are either stranded in Sri Lanka or in transit, creating logistical challenges for importers. The government is now working with businesses and relevant agencies to accelerate the release and delivery of essential goods.
According to the minister, milk and sunflower oil have been identified as priority items under the government’s list of 164 essential commodities, and efforts are underway to fast-track their arrival. “These items are not out of stock, but we are taking early action to prevent any disruption,” he said.
As part of these efforts, authorities have requested the expedited clearance of 80 containers currently held in Colombo, with coordination taking place between Sri Lankan port authorities, the Malé Commercial Harbor, and other relevant institutions.
Saeed added that the government continues to closely monitor supply chains and price movements, particularly in light of global disruptions linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Despite these challenges, he said essential goods—including fuel, gas, rice, sugar, and flour—are continuing to reach the Maldives without interruption.
Officials say the move is part of broader measures to stabilise the market and ensure that key commodities remain accessible to both businesses and households in the coming weeks.
