Former Managing Director of State Trading Organization (STO), Husen Amru Mohamed Rashad, has said that recent stability in the Maldives’ fuel supply situation is partly due to the government’s earlier decision to import fuel from Oman.

In a post shared on X, Amru recalled that the policy introduced in 2019 had faced strong criticism from several quarters at the time. 

He explained that Oman was ultimately chosen as a supplier because of the efficiency of shipping routes linking the Maldives and Oman, which significantly reduce travel time and lower transportation costs.

Amru also pointed to Oman’s political stability as an important factor in the decision, noting that the country has long been considered one of the more stable states in the region.

His comments come at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have triggered increases in global fuel prices and raised concerns over potential supply disruptions.

Amru urged both the government and the public to remain cautious and use fuel responsibly while the situation remains uncertain.

The concerns follow developments involving Iran, which recently closed the Strait of Hormuz a critical maritime passage that handles roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil shipments.

Despite the global uncertainty, a ministerial committee established by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to monitor the impact of the conflict has stated that the Maldives’ fuel supply is not currently facing a critical shortage.

However, the government has introduced several measures aimed at reducing energy-related expenses.

Among them is the decision to cancel Eid decorative lighting across islands this year as part of broader cost-saving efforts.