Parliament on Wednesday passed the bill to abolish import duty on diesel used in vessels and to generate electricity.

At Wednesday’s sitting, 60 members voted to approve the bill proposing to bring amendments to the Maldives import-export law.

The bill, proposed by Thimarafushi MP Mohamed Musthafa, was accepted for review on Tuesday with the votes of 56 MPs.

MP Musthafa said that the purpose of the bill is to provide efficiency for fishermen, as well as to provide affordability to those using diesel to generate electricity. Musthafa also said that although abolishing the import duty on petrol and diesel will significantly reduce the state income, it will benefit the citizens.

“Government must make sure the implementation of these bills reaches the citizens. I further call on the Economic Ministry to form a special board to control the slashing of prices on these essential services” said MP Musthafa.

At Tuesday’s sitting, a majority of MPs had stressed on the importance of slashing the price of diesel and petrol, With Vilufushi MP Rasheed stating that this bill must not be misused and details on the termination of import duty on diesel must be publicized.

Abolishing import duty on diesel as well as slashing the price of electricity is part of President Solih’s first 100-day agenda.