Ungoofaaru funds subsidization of staples from People’s Budget

R. Ungoofaaru Council has made the decision to fund subsidies on staple products from its People’s Fund after the government’s decision to cut subsidies on staples to the general population and direct them only towards the poor.

Prices of staples have risen with the change, with some shops overcharging its customers despite the government control over the prices.

President of Ungoofaaru Council, Abdul Nasir Ali said that the council made the decision to fund subsidies on staples to the people of the island to lessen the negative impact due to the sudden change.

Ungoofaaru Council voted unanimously to fund subsidies for the people on the island during the council meeting held this Wednesday morning.

Nasir said that staples would be available from the island at the previous price, before subsidies were cut.

He said that the council was willing to subsidize staples for its citizens even on a permanent basis, if need be.

Price of one kilo of rice has risen from MVR 3.98 to MVR 7.96, the price of one kilo of sugar from MVR 4.50 to MVR 8, and price of one kilo of flour from MVR 3.50 to MVR 5.96.

The prices are higher in the atolls.