Maldives Embarks on Nationwide Fuel Storage Project to Boost Accessibility Across Atolls

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has initiated a nationwide project to establish fuel storage facilities across all atolls in the Maldives, a move aimed at enhancing fuel accessibility for fishermen and the general public.

The project, managed by the State Trading Organisation (STO), sets a target to complete installations in each atoll by February 2026.

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According to STO Managing Director Shimad Ibrahim, the project will make fuel more readily available, building on existing facilities in Hulhumale’, GA Kooddoo, and N Felivaru islands. The Hulhumale’ setup was completed in January of this year, and STO currently supplies fuel at base rates from FSM sheds in Kooddoo and Felivaru. The next storage installation is scheduled for Addu City Hulhumeedhoo, expected to be operational by February 2025.

The rollout plan includes additional fuel storage facilities across the Maldives, with sites set for completion in HA Ihavandhoo, HDh Hanimaadhoo, F Nilandhoo, GDh Faresmaathodaa, and Fuvahmulah City by October 2025. Further setups in Sh Milandhoo, N Manadhoo, B Thulhaadhoo, V Felidhoo, Th Hirilandhoo, R Dhuvaafaru, AA Mathiveri, M Mulah, Dh Kudahuvadhoo, and L Gan are targeted for February 2026.

At the project’s launch ceremony, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam underscored the government’s commitment to providing fuel at STO’s base rates in at least one island of every atoll, recognising fuel as a basic necessity. He highlighted that President Muizzu’s administration is working towards sustainable solutions to reduce reliance on temporary measures in the fuel sector and aims to tackle these core issues within the first three years.

This fuel accessibility initiative was a significant promise in the Dhivehinge Raajje manifesto. The launch ceremony was attended by Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef and senior government officials, marking a collective effort towards a comprehensive solution for the Maldives’ fuel needs.