Orange price hike caused by regional ports and suppliers: Saeed
The Minister highlighted that the government has identified 23 items as essential food commodities and is working to ensure they remain affordable for the public. Additionally, the Minister noted that efforts have been made to address the rising cost of oranges and find a viable solution to the issue.
Oranges on display at the Male' Local Market. | RaajjeMV | RaajjeMV
Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed has stated that the recent hike in orange prices is due to issues involving regional ports and suppliers.
Saeed made these remarks during a press conference held on Tuesday.
At the beginning of the current month of Ramadan, the supply of oranges faced a severe shortage. The government had previously announced that 26 varieties of essential food items, including oranges, would be available at affordable prices through STO outlets during this period. Consequently, RaajjeMV has raised questions regarding the criteria used to define essential food items and the factors contributing to the recent price hikes.
Minister Saeed stated that efforts have been made to change the long-standing perception that the government's responsibility ends with merely providing rice, sugar, and flour. To this end, the Minister announced the decision to include 10 varieties of fruits and vegetables, along with the three most commonly consumed food items, under the category of essential food staples. A total of 23 items have now been designated as essential food commodities.
Minister Saeed stated that arrangements are being made to supply these 23 commodities to the Maldives at the most competitive market prices available. He further noted that efforts have also been undertaken to address the recent surge in orange prices.
"The issue arose due to supply chain bottlenecks at several regional ports, which hindered the delivery of oranges despite the existing demand. There were also certain challenges within the sourcing markets. This time, the situation affected orange supplies, and prices may vary among private sellers," Saeed stated.
Typically, the price of an orange ranges between MVR 3 and MVR 6. However, prices began to climb three weeks prior to the start of Ramadan. By the beginning of the holy month, oranges were being sold at prices ranging from MVR 12 to MVR 16 per unit.
