STO Maintains Affordable Orange Prices as Market Prices Rise

The State Trading Organization has continued to maintain affordable orange prices even as some local market stalls reported increases driven by recent shipment delays, helping cushion consumers from short term supply pressures.

STO is currently retailing oranges at MVR 40 per kilogram, keeping prices steady even as some market stalls reported short term increases linked to shipment delays. At this rate, the cost of a single orange ranges between MVR 5.7 and MVR 6.7, positioning STO as a key stabilizing force during the period of volatility.

STO’s consistent pricing has provided stability at a time when availability fluctuated across parts of the market. While traders in some areas temporarily raised prices due to delayed cargo arrivals, the situation has begun to ease as shipments are cleared and distributed.

A significant number of containers carrying oranges have now been released to private importers, increasing the fruit’s availability nationwide. The improved supply has already prompted several traders to lower their prices, with expectations that oranges will become even more affordable in the coming days as additional stock enters circulation.

The recent price volatility was largely linked to disruptions within the international logistics network. Congestion at Sri Lankan ports delayed cargo arrivals to the Maldives, while supply chain challenges in major orange exporting countries including Egypt and South Africa affected shipment schedules. Port congestion in parts of Africa and vessel rerouting through the Cape of Good Hope further extended transit times, tightening supply temporarily.

With shipments now arriving more consistently, authorities expect the market to stabilize further. The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, together with STO and other relevant agencies, continues to monitor pricing trends to ensure essential food items remain accessible to the public.

Maldives Ports Limited is also prioritizing the daily clearance of essential commodity shipments to streamline the supply chain and reduce the risk of prolonged shortages, reinforcing efforts to maintain steady availability of key food items across the country.