Government has reduced the prices of some staple foods.

The economic ministry stated that starting Thursday a kilo of sugar will sell for MVR 4, a kilo of rice for MVR 3.98, and a kilo of flour for MVR 2.98.

Previously a kilo of sugar sold for MVR 6.80, a kilo of rice for MVR 6.76, and a kilo of flour for MVR 6.08.

The ministry stated that prices in various regions of the country can only be increased up to a certain point, even when taking into account transportation costs and other considerations.

The zone consisting of atolls HA, HDh, and Sh can increase their prices up to 1.02 Laari (sub denomination of the Rufiyaa). The zone consisting of N, R, B, Lh, K, AA, ADh, V, M, F, Dh, and Th can increase their prices up to 0.82 Laari. The Zone of L, GA, Gn, and S can increase their prices up to 1.21 Laari.

The government was severely criticized in 2016 for hiking staple foods by 100 percent and cutting of subsidies.