The Ministry of Tourism and Environment has announced that the Maldivian government will allocate MVR 160 million to fund discounts on electricity and water bills during this year’s Ramadan. This initiative, which aims to ease the financial burden typically experienced during the holy month, is part of a continued effort from President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s Administration.
The initiative, first introduced in 2024, will see an increased allocation compared to last year’s MVR 130 million, reflecting the government’s commitment to supporting citizens during Ramadan. The announcement was made by the President on February 23, 2025, as part of broader measures to ensure that households can manage rising living costs during the fasting month.
State Minister of Tourism and Environment, Dr. Muaviyath Mohamed, spoke to state media about the government’s approach, explaining that households would receive at least a 10 percent discount on both water and electricity bills. If the bills exceed the average usage from previous months, the government will cover the increase through the discount scheme.
“The aim is to ensure no household faces excessive utility costs during Ramadan. Even if the bill exceeds the average from prior months, the excess will be covered by the discount program,” said Dr. Muaviyath. “Every household will receive at least a 10 percent discount on their water and electricity bills,” he confirmed.
Ahmed Ali, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, emphasized that energy consumption tends to rise during Ramadan as families spend more time at home, often using air conditioning to stay comfortable. This increase in electricity use makes the government’s decision to implement the discount particularly timely.
“During Ramadan, people generally stay at home more, and air conditioners are used to maintain comfort. These discounts will help ease the financial strain caused by increased utility usage during this time,” Ahmed Ali stated on a PSM News program.
Following President Dr. Muizzu’s directive, state-owned utility companies, including Male’ Water & Sewerage Company (MWSC), STELCO, and Fenaka Corporation, have been working on frameworks to ensure the efficient implementation of the utility discount program.
In addition to utility bill discounts, the government has introduced other Ramadan relief measures, including the distribution of a case of canned fish to every household across the Maldives. The government is also committed to stabilizing food prices throughout the holy month to ensure affordability for all citizens. Furthermore, the last 10 days of Ramadan have been declared public holidays to allow people to devote more time to family, worship, and community.
This holistic approach to Ramadan relief demonstrates President Muizzu’s ongoing efforts to provide both financial and spiritual support to the people of the Maldives. With these measures, the government aims to foster a sense of unity, kindness, and generosity during one of the most sacred times in the Islamic calendar.
