The Ministry of Economic Development has urged local businesses and vendors against inflating prices of onions in the Maldivian market since the country does not face challenges in importing the commodity from India.
The ministry’s statement has come amid growing concerns by the public and reports of some local businesses hiking prices on onion, that initiated following news of Indian government’s decision to temporarily stop all exports of the commodity.
Though Indian government’s decision to restrict onion exports, the ministry reports that the country has not taken any measures that would hold its exports of onion to the Maldives.
“Through the discussions the ministry held with onion importers to the Maldives, they have assured that the commodity will be imported without interruptions,” Ministry of Economic Development said.
As per a recent survey by the ministry involving 23 local businesses, the authority observed a price surge in onions between 20 to 50% from November 23 to present date.
The ministry promised robust solution if and when onion imports to the Maldives face any further challenges.
As of right now, onions are sold between MVR 30 to 40 per kilogram in the Maldivian market.
Earlier, the Minister of Economic Development Mohamed Saeed assured Maldives did not face any obstacles in importing general goods. His remarks followed reports of Indian government’s decision to stop all exports of onions.
Indian media reported that the decision aimed to cull projected inflation rise next year due to the Lok Sabha (House of the People) elections of the Indian parliament.