Government has begun selling fuel to public at inflated prices to gain unfair profits, using war as an excuse: Abdulla Shahid
Speaking in Sh. Foakaidhoo, Shahid stated that the government's sudden decision to hike fuel prices while claiming to hold low-cost reserves is a profound betrayal of the public. He emphasized that fuel should be sold at fair rates based on its original acquisition cost to ensure that the financial burden on citizens is minimized.
MDP President Abdulla Shahid delivers remarks during a campaign rally held in Sh. Foakaidhoo. | RaajjeMV | Raajje MV
MDP President Abdulla Shahid has accused the government of exploiting the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran as a pretext to unfairly profit from the sale of fuel to the public.
Speaking at a rally in Sh. Foakaidhoo during an MDP leadership tour to campaign for a referendum on consolidating presidential, and parliamentary elections into a single date, Shahid accused the government of betraying the public. He alleged that President Dr. Muizzu’s administration is using global conflicts as a pretext to reap unfair profits from fuel sales. Shahid further asserted that fuel purchased at lower prices must be sold to the citizens at a fair and affordable rate.
Highlighting the significant rise in fuel prices, Shahid stated that the public deserves clarification on whether the fuel currently being sold at higher rates was imported at the new, elevated prices or if it is stock previously brought into the country at the former, lower rates.
Fuel purchased at high prices should be sold at high prices, but fuel acquired at lower costs must be sold at the rates previously established. Such a massive betrayal of the public is unacceptable. It is evident that this administration seeks any excuse at every opportunity to oppress the citizens and exploit them. There is no sincerity; this government lacks any shred of integrity.MDP President Abdulla Shahid
Furthermore, Shahid noted that President Muizzu had previously confirmed the availability of fuel reserves. He argued that if this is the case, the fuel currently being sold at higher prices is from the stock acquired at lower rates. Shahid stated that this further demonstrates the extent of the government's betrayal of the public.
In a notable development, the State Trading Organization (STO) has hiked the prices of petrol and diesel less than 24 hours after the Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed, announced that a new shipment of low-cost fuel was en route to the Maldives.
