STO to open store in Hulhumale’ ahead of Ramadan

The State Trading Organisation (STO) is partnering with the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to open a temporary retail outlet in Hulhumale’ Phase I before Ramadan, Managing Director Shimad Ibrahim announced Wednesday.

“We always get complaints about the lack of our presence in Hulhumale’,” Shimad said at a press conference. He explained that STO does not typically operate retail outlets in the area, but makes temporary arrangements during Ramadan.

This year, 23 essential items will be available for retail purchase starting Wednesday. The former Makita showroom has been repurposed into an STO outlet to improve access for residents and market vendors.

“However, we are preparing a shop in Hulhumale' in consultation with HDC. The shop will be opened before Ramadan and will begin serving the people of Hulhumale'. It's in Phase I. We are also exploring Phase II options”.

Shimad also revealed plans to build a warehouse in the Industrial Village to support wholesale distribution. He assured that prices would remain stable as long as STO continues importing goods at low cost.

The government had earlier announced plans to bulk-import food through STO to curb inflation. President Muizzu said the move aligns with his administration’s broader food security policy.