In a move to shield the nation's vital fishing industry from global oil price shocks, the government has launched a comprehensive programme providing subsidised diesel to fishermen across all atolls.
The initiative, managed through the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) and Fuel Supply Maldives (FSM) sheds, is a direct response to rising operational costs exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
To ensure the industry remains operational and economically viable, the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources has expanded the availability of subsidised fuel to 13 strategic locations nationwide.
The newly designated ports include Ihavandhoo (Haa Alifu Atoll), Hanimaadhoo (Haa Dhaalu Atoll), Milandhoo (Shaviyani Atoll), Eydhafushi (Baa Atoll), Dhuvaafaru (Raa Atoll), Kudahuvadhoo (Dhaalu Atoll), Nilandhoo (Faafu Atoll), Himmafushi (Kaafu Atoll), Felivaru (Lhaviyani Atoll), Kooddoo (Gaafu Alifu Atoll), Fuvahmulah City, Hulhumeedhoo (Seenu Atoll), and the Hulhumale’ Jetty.
The Ministry has established clear fuel quotas based on vessel size and catch type. For skipjack tuna fishing, larger vessels over 85 feet can access 5,000 litres for two trips monthly, while smaller vessels under 50 feet are allotted 1,500 litres for three trips. For yellowfin tuna, all vessel categories are permitted five trips per month, with allocations ranging from 1,800 litres for the largest vessels to 600 litres for the smallest.
Fishermen are required to present a copy of their license and their latest fuel receipt when refueling at the designated sheds. The government assures that despite global market volatility, there is currently no shortage of imported fuel, and existing stocks are sufficient to manage the new programme.
This decisive intervention is expected to substantially lower operational costs for fishermen, providing critical economic relief and ensuring the continuity of a sector that is the lifeblood of the economy.