Protest in Addu following high price of electricity and staple good

A protest rally has been held at Addu City after the government cut the subsidy staple goods and the changes to Electricity charges by the government.

The Mayor of Addu Ciy, Abdulla Sodiq also took part in the MDP let protest in Hithadhoo, Addu City, this evening. Participants of the rally were carrying posters expressing their concerns as they took to the streets.

The protestors called to the government to reduce the price of electricity along with the price of staple goods. Protestors said that raising the price of staple goods forces a burden upon the people.

While STELCO decided to add MVR 0.04 per unit last Wednesday, the government made a surprise on announcement on Thursday night that subsidy removed from staple goods.

With the subsidy removed, the controlled price of Rice went up from MVR 3.95 to MVR 7.96 per kilogram. And the price of a kilogram of Sugar went up from MVR 4.50 to MVR 8 while the price of Flour was raised from MVR 3.50 to MVR 5.96 per kilogram.

Subsidy would be given to those in poverty alone through the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) with MVR 40 per head.

As the subsidy is removed from staple goods and the price of electricity going up, high prices on all goods are expected across the country especially the food products made by using sugar, rice and flour.

Some MPs and common members of the ruling party, PPM, along the opposition MDP have been expressing concerns and disapproval following the removal of subsidy from staple foods.