Malé, Maldives – Product prices soar in Addu City with the suspension of the Addu-Tuticorin cargo ferry service.
Maldives State Shipping (MSS) stated that the cargo service was discontinued due to the deterioration of the cargo vessel beyond use. The company is unable to provide a date for service resumption at this time.
Businesses in Addu City who depend solely on this service are reporting that the prices of staple goods such as onions, potatoes and eggs have spiked due to purchasing supply from the capital city Malé.
The shipping fees were low at the beginning but raised after a time. It was still cheaper than sourcing from Malé.
Business Owner, Addu City
In addition to staples, there is now a shortage of construction materials in Addu City due to the termination of the cargo service.
A direct cargo line was established between Tuticorin and Addu/Thinadhoo on 10 December 2020 with 500 metric tons of cargo imported to Addu City on MV Bonthi II.
