Exploiting current situation to inflate fuel prices is yet another measure by government to burden drivers: Niyaz
The Drivers Association has urged the government to reconsider its decision to hike petrol prices following a rise in global oil rates, with the association's president, Niyaz, characterizing the move as an unfair exploitation of the situation given previous government assurances of a one-month fuel reserve. Niyaz highlighted that the price increase will pose significant financial challenges for taxi drivers and appealed for a favorable adjustment to fuel costs to alleviate the burden on the public.
Ibrahim Niyaz, President of the Drivers Association of Maldives. | RaajjeMV | RaajjeMV
Ibrahim Niyaz, President of the Drivers Association, has called on the government to review its decision to increase petrol prices in the Maldives following fluctuations in the global oil market.
In a post on X, Niyaz stated that as the global landscape shifts due to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, wealthy individuals from across the globe are flocking to the Maldives, leaving Velana International Airport crowded with private jets.
However, he stated that increasing fuel prices at such a time is a matter of concern for the public, particularly for drivers.
Niyaz stated that increasing fuel prices just two days after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu claimed the Maldives held a one-month fuel reserve is an act of taking undue advantage of the situation.
"In my view, increasing fuel prices to take undue advantage of the situation is yet another 'link' in the government's continuous series of challenges imposed on taxi drivers," Niyaz stated.
The Drivers Association has stated that the significant surge in fuel prices will pose substantial challenges to the livelihoods of taxi drivers.
Therefore, Niyaz has called upon the government to review current fuel prices and introduce favorable adjustments to alleviate the financial burden on the public.
As global oil prices fluctuate, leading to corresponding adjustments in the Maldivian market, economic experts warn that these changes are likely to impact the costs of public transportation and freight services.
