The State Trading Organization (STO) has begun providing essential items needed for basic needs to residents living in the atolls at affordable prices through STO agents.

Following a decision by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the essential goods list—previously divided into 26 items—has now been expanded to 80 items. The purpose of this decision is to ensure food security in the Maldives and arrange for daily necessities to be continuously available to the public at affordable prices. In connection with this decision, STO has now begun importing these 80 items into the Maldives.

To ensure that these items are available in all inhabited islands at prices determined by STO, the company is working in collaboration with local private businesses in the islands. Under this policy, in addition to STO directly selling goods in the islands, arrangements have also been made to supply goods wholesale to island businesses and have them sell to the public through those parties. It has been noted that this will also empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the islands.

Among the newly designated 80 items are 20 types of fruit, 20 types of vegetables, 37 commonly used household food items, and three non-food essential items.

According to the Ministry of Economic Development, this arrangement will further strengthen food security in the Maldives and ensure a sustainable supply of essential goods. The ministry highlighted that this effort is part of the changes being brought to citizens' lives under the President's policy.

The Ministry of Economic Development has also released the list of parties operating as STO agents in various islands to provide essential goods at affordable prices.