MALE, Sept 20 – The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) has reported a slight increase in the number of people seeking financial assistance for food amid rising prices across the Maldives.
According to official data, 700 individuals received MVR 25,720 in August under the Social Security Act, up from 697 beneficiaries in June and July last year when MVR 25,600 was disbursed. The program provides MVR 40 per person per month, capped at MVR 240 per household, for purchasing essential food items such as rice, sugar, and flour.
Applicants must be Maldivian citizens and fall below the income threshold set by NSPA regulations to qualify.
Meanwhile, inflation continues to squeeze household budgets. The National Bureau of Statistics reported that prices of essential goods in Male’ city climbed 1.19% from July to August and nearly 2% year-on-year. Food prices alone rose 1.62% month-on-month, with fruits seeing the sharpest jump — 6.13% compared to July and 10.2% over the previous year.
To stabilize prices, the government has tasked the State Trading Organization (STO) with importing 23 essential food items, including fruits and vegetables. Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed expects this move to cut prices by 15% next month.
However, opposition leaders and former officials argue that bulk imports alone cannot ensure food security. They stress the need to promote local agriculture to reduce dependence on imports and protect against global price shocks.