The government has announced plans to offer approximately MVR 160 million in discounts on water and electricity bills during Ramadan, as part of ongoing efforts to ease financial burdens on households during the holy month. The estimate was provided by Dr. Muaviyath Mohamed, the State Minister for Tourism and Environment, in an interview with Public Service Media (PSM) on Sunday.
While the exact total cannot be confirmed until the end of Ramadan, Minister Muaviyath stated that the initial calculations suggest the figure will amount to around MVR 160 million. He explained that the final tally will depend on the usage and the final bills prepared after the end of Ramadan.
“We’ve conducted some preliminary assessments this year, but the precise amount can’t be confirmed until the Ramadan period concludes and the bills are prepared,” he said. “However, based on average consumption patterns and the monthly variations in electricity and water usage, we estimate the government will provide around MVR 160 million in discounts.”
This initiative, aimed at helping ease the financial strain on households during the holy month, is especially important as electricity consumption tends to rise significantly during Ramadan, coinciding with the warmest months of the year.
The Maldives government has decided to offer a 10 percent discount on both water and electricity bills this Ramadan, in line with a similar effort made last year. The announcement was made by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on February 23, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to providing financial relief to citizens during the fasting period.
The discount on utility bills is part of a series of measures introduced by the government to alleviate the challenges faced by the public during Ramadan. Last year, the government allocated approximately USD 8.43 million for similar discounts, demonstrating the government’s ongoing focus on supporting the public through cost-saving initiatives.
These steps are in line with President Muizzu’s broader efforts to bring ease to the Maldivian population during Ramadan, ensuring families are able to focus on the spiritual and communal aspects of the month without the added financial pressure of rising utility costs. As the government continues to prioritize such relief measures, the announced discount program will provide significant support to households across the country.
