The government has arranged for all fishing vessels to receive diesel at subsidised rates from 8 additional locations across the Maldives.
As part of the government's efforts to mitigate the impact of rising global oil prices due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on Maldivian fishermen, diesel has been sold to fishing vessels at a discounted price since March from Hulhumale', K. Himmafushi, Lh. Felivaru, GA. Kooddoo, S. Hulhudhoo MIFCO, and FSM sheds.
The Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture stated today that, in an effort to further expand this programme and ensure fishermen can access affordable fuel across all regions of the country, arrangements have been made to provide fuel at a discounted rate from 8 additional islands where FSM skids are established. With this, vessels registered under "Fahi Hakatha" can now obtain fuel at subsidised prices from 13 islands.
Islands providing fuel at subsidised prices:
- HA. Ihavandhoo
- HDh. Hanimaadhoo
- Sh. Milandhoo
- B. Eydhafushi
- F. Nilandhoo
- K. Himmafushi
- R. Dhuvaafaru
- Dh. Kudahuvadhoo
- Lh. Felivaru
- GA. Kooddoo
- Fuvahmulah City
- S. Hulhumeedhoo
- Hulhumale' Jetty
With this government decision, starting tomorrow, FSM sheds in these newly designated islands will sell a litre of diesel to fishing vessels for MVR 17.54. The Ministry stated that fuel is being issued at the discounted rate under a specific policy and in limited quantities.
Per trip for skipjack tuna fishing vessels:
Large vessels 85 feet and above: 5000 litres (2 trips per month)
Vessels between 50 and 85 feet: 3000 litres (3 trips per month)
Vessels under 50 feet: 1500 litres (3 trips per month)
Per trip for yellowfin tuna fishing vessels:
Large vessels 85 feet and above: 1800 litres (5 trips per month)
Vessels between 50 and 85 feet: 1200 litres (5 trips per month)
Vessels under 50 feet: 600 litres (5 trips per month)
The Ministry stated that when going to refuel, fishermen must bring a copy of their license and the most recent fish weighing receipt.
