Maldive Gas has placed limits on how much cooking gas people can buy because of supply shortages linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
The company is responsible for importing cooking gas to Maldives.
What has changed
Maldive Gas has temporarily stopped selling full 10 kilo cooking gas cylinders.
Instead, the company is now refilling only five kilos of gas even in 10 kilo cylinders.
According to an official from the company, five kilos of cooking gas is currently being sold for MVR 100.
The company says this is the amount available at the moment due to the shortage.
Why there is a shortage
The shortage is connected to the war involving United States, Israel and Iran.
The conflict has disrupted energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, which is one of the world’s most important routes for oil and gas transport.
When shipments are delayed or disrupted, countries that import fuel and gas may face temporary shortages.
Assurances from the government
Senior government officials, including President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed, recently said the conflict will not lead to major shortages of fuel, gas, food or other essential items in Maldives.
However, Maldive Gas introduced the current limit to manage available supplies.
Similar limits before
Maldive Gas has placed temporary limits on supplies in the past when shipments were delayed.
Earlier this year, gas supplies were also limited before Ramadan due to a delayed shipment.
During that time, the company reportedly bought additional gas from Villa, a private supplier that has large storage facilities in Thilafushi, to maintain sales.
For now, Maldive Gas says the five kilo refill limit will remain in place while supplies are managed.
Photo credits: Maldive Gas
