The State Trading Organisation (STO) has announced plans to open new retail outlets in both phases of Hulhumalé to sell basic food items and fresh produce at reduced prices ahead of the upcoming month of Ramadan.
Managing Director of STO, Shimad Ibrahim, made the announcement at a press conference held Wednesday, revealing that the initiative is being carried out in partnership with the Housing Development Corporation (HDC).
“We always get complaints about the lack of our presence in Hulhumalé,” Shimad said. “We are now preparing a shop in Hulhumalé Phase I in consultation with HDC. The shop will open before Ramadan and begin serving the people. We are also exploring options for a Phase II outlet.”
According to Shimad, the first shop will be established in Hulhumalé Phase I, repurposing the former Makita showroom into an STO retail outlet to make essential goods more accessible for residents and market vendors. A similar outlet is planned for Phase II soon after.
23 Essential Items at Lowered Prices
Beginning 15th October, STO has made 23 basic food items available at reduced rates through its retail network. These include:
- Basic food items: lentils, eggs, and coconuts
- Fruits: bananas, apples, oranges, lemons, passion fruit, mangoes, papayas, watermelons, chillies, and grapes
- Vegetables: onions, ginger, carrots, brinjals, sweet potatoes, potatoes, cabbages, pumpkins, spinach, and garlic
Shimad said that these products were imported in bulk under special arrangements to ensure price stability and regular supply.
Support Infrastructure and Food Security
In addition to new retail outlets, STO plans to build a warehouse in the Industrial Village to support wholesale distribution. Shimad emphasized that prices would remain stable as long as STO continues to import goods at low cost.
The initiative forms part of the government’s broader food security policy, with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu earlier highlighting the importance of bulk food imports through STO to control inflation and ensure steady market supply.
