MPL Confirms Ongoing Onion Shortage in Malé Due to Indian Supply Issues

Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has confirmed an ongoing shortage of onions in the Malé market, attributing the issue to climate-induced reduced exports from India. 

The decline in supply has been caused by damage to onion fields in India due to adverse weather conditions. This shortage is not isolated to the Maldives, with neighbouring Sri Lanka also reportedly facing difficulties in sourcing onions from India.

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In response to the shortage, new shipments of onions have started arriving in the Maldives. Two boats from India delivered 2,980 and 3,300 bags of onions, totalling 6,280 bags, which were released to the market today. 

Additionally, a further 3,300 bags of onions are expected to reach the Male’ market soon. Last Wednesday, a cargo shipment to the Hithadhoo Regional Port also brought 1,180 baskets of onions.

Onion shortages, often caused by weather-related damage to crops, have historically led to price increases in the market.