The government has granted permission for petrol stations to be kept open for 24 hours a day.

The Ministry of Economic Development on Tuesday published this in the government gazette.

The publication reads that petrol stations in populated islands will be open 24 hours a day, effective from Tuesday.

Prior to the amendment, petrol and diesel stations operated from 5am to 12am.

The police service has recently addressed the growing issue of illegal petrol and diesel sale and delivery in capital city Male’ and Hulhumale. The past few weeks have seen the illegal trade of petrol and diesel from homes in the capital.

This comes at a time President Solih has announced his government’s decision to allow local stores and café’s to be kept open round the clock as well. RaajjeMV understands that it will be put into effect within the first 30 days.

24-hour shops and cafes were allowed during former President Mohamed Nasheed’s administration after it had granted approval for wholesalers and retailers as well as local cafés and restaurants to be kept open 24 hours in December 2010. However, his successor, President Mohamed Waheed reversed this decision.

Currently, stores are not allowed to remain open after 10pm.