In response to the ongoing shortage of onions in the Maldives, Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) CEO Mohammed Wajeeh Ibrahim has announced the release of more than 6,000 bags of onions into the market. This move comes as the nation faces a significant scarcity of onions, leading to increased prices and limited availability.
Wajeeh Ibrahim disclosed that the shortage has been exacerbated by a decline in onion exports from India, a situation that is also affecting neighbouring Sri Lanka. The limited supply from one of the Maldives' primary onion suppliers has put pressure on local markets, driving up prices and causing difficulty for consumers.
To alleviate this issue, MPL has coordinated the release of 6,280 bags of onions today. This includes 2,980 bags from two ships, the Blueha and the MV Niumat-2, both arriving from India. An additional 3,300 bags of onions are expected to be delivered by another ship from India tomorrow. Furthermore, a recent shipment to Hithadhoo Regional Port included 1,180 bags of onions destined for Addu City.
Wajeeh Ibrahim attributed the onion shortage to adverse weather conditions in India, which have damaged onion fields and disrupted the supply chain. Such weather-related issues often result in lower onion yields and higher market prices due to reduced availability.
In light of these challenges, MPL is actively working to ensure a steady supply of onions and other essential food items to meet public demand. The company remains committed to addressing the needs of consumers and stabilizing market conditions despite the difficulties posed by external factors.