The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has announced plans to stage a protest in Malé over rising prices of basic commodities and growing concerns about the country’s economic situation.

The protest, titled ‘Dhathivejje,’ is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. on August 12 in front of the Social Center in Malé City, according to MDP Chairperson and former President Mohamed Nasheed.

Nasheed announced the demonstration in a post on X, highlighting several essential products whose prices have increased significantly in recent months.

The items listed include baby formula, basmati rice, coffee powder, cooking oil and milk.

The former president has increasingly criticized the government’s handling of the economy, arguing that shortages of U.S. Dollars and rising inflation are putting greater pressure on households.

Speaking at an MDP rally last week, Nasheed accused the administration of failing to secure sufficient foreign currency through grants and borrowing, while also questioning the government’s strategy for managing the country’s substantial debt obligations.

He argued that the higher dollar exchange rate was contributing to inflation at a time when household incomes had not increased at the same pace.

Nasheed also raised concerns about congestion at the Malé Commercial Port, saying delays had forced some container vessels to divert to ports in Sri Lanka

According to his criticism, additional demurrage and freight costs incurred by businesses could ultimately contribute to higher consumer prices.

The MDP leader described the country’s economic direction as increasingly concerning and accused the administration of lacking an effective strategy to reverse the trend.

The World Bank has projected that inflation in the Maldives could reach 6 percent this year, as the import-dependent economy faces increased pressure from global conditions, including the economic effects of the conflict in the Middle East.