State Trading Organisation (STO) is set to open an outlet in Hulhumale' Phase 2 ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement released by the organisation on Monday, they noted the number of complaints regarding the unavailability of essential food items since their outlet in Hulhumale' is currently closed for renovation. In addition to this, they highlighted that there are concerns over a potential increase in the prices of goods in the absence of STO.

STO revealed that after considering the concerns, they have decided to open an outlet in the Vinares Flats building in Phase 2 ahead of the upcoming Ramadan.

They noted that the decision to open an outlet in Hulhumale Phase 2 was to ensure that the residents of the area receive essential goods at the right price. STO stressed that the outlet will be open by the month of March.

All general items available at STO outlets will be available in the new outlet as well, including onions, potatoes and eggs that are being imported for the month of Ramadan.

STO noted that every year one of the biggest complaints they receive is about price hikes and scarcity of certain goods. They highlighted that they have already started receiving similar complains, specially regarding price hikes on onions, potatoes and eggs.

However, they added that they will keep stock available at all times in their efforts to control the price. They also revealed that a new stock of these items will arrive during the first week of March.