Fishermen can now obtain fuel at State Trading Organization (STO) rates across all areas of the country except two regions, Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has stated.

Shiyam noted that fuel distribution challenges for fishermen currently persist only in Meemu Atoll and Laamu Atoll.

"That is because establishing STO's fuel skids in those two atolls still requires a little more time," the Minister explained.

However, the Minister stated that fuel is now being dispensed through STO fuel skids across virtually all parts of the Maldives.

He noted that escalating fuel costs, driven in part by conflict in the Middle East, had previously created fuel supply difficulties that hampered fishermen from going out to sea.

Shiyam stated that the government prioritized resolving these issues, ensuring fishermen could return to fishing grounds by securing access to affordable fuel.

"Overall, arrangements have been made across all fishing regions to ensure fishermen receive fuel at affordable rates as needed," he said.