More people seek financial aid for basic items as food prices rise in Male'

Food prices are rising in Male' city, and the number of people seeking financial assistance to buy basic food items is increasing month by month, according to official statistics.  

Data released by the Statistics Bureau this month shows that prices of essential commodities in Male' rose in November compared to the same period last year. Food prices increased by 0.16 percent, while beverage prices rose by 2.91 percent.  

In response, the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) provided MVR 26,240 in food assistance to 713 people last month. This marks a steady increase over the previous two months, 704 people received MVR 25,880 in October, and 698 people received MVR 25,640 in September.  

The aid is provided under the Social Security Act to individuals living in poverty, specifically for the purchase of staple items such as flour, sugar, and rice. Eligible recipients receive MVR 40 per person per month, with a maximum of MVR 240 per household.  

ފަޤީރު ހާލަތުގައި ދިރިއުޅޭ ފަރާތްތަކުން ކާބޯތަކެތި ގަތުމަށް ދެވޭ މާލީ އެހީ
ނޮވެންބަރު 2025 pic.twitter.com/RmF1OMGw50

— NSPA (@NSPAmaldives) December 14, 2025

To qualify, applicants must be Maldivian citizens and meet income thresholds defined by NSPA’s poverty determination guidelines.  

While prices continue to rise, the government has tasked the state-owned State Trading Organization (STO) with importing key food items to stabilize costs. STO currently imports 23 essential items, including vegetables and fruits, in an effort to ease market pressure.