The State Trading Organisation reduced the price of diesel and petrol. The price of petrol was brought down from MVR16.55 (US$1.07) per litre to MVR15.97 per litre. The price of diesel decreased from MVR16.77 per litre to MVR16.32 per litre.
The reduction comes after STO hiked fuel prices in June for the fourth time this year, citing rising global oil prices.
The Housing Development Corporation announced the auction sale of 74 beachside and beachfront plots of land from Hulhumalé.
The size of the plots range from 1,095.05 square feet to 2,588.14 square feet. The minimum prices are MVR6,500 (US$421) per square foot for beachfront plots and MVR5,500 per square foot for beachside plots.
The central bank lifted the suspension of Western Union money transfer services in the Maldives.
The suspension of the payment provider license of its local agent, Island Financial Services, a subsidiary of the Villa Group, forced Western Union to halt operations last week.
The infrastructure ministry made a third announcement seeking expressions of interest or proposals for financing six domestic airports. The minimum amount was reduced from US$5 million in the first announcement to US$3 million.
The government plans to award the projects under a cross-subsidisation policy with islands, land or lagoons allocated for tourism development. The bid announcement was made for the third time following revisions to cross-subsidy regulations.
A dozen parties have expressed interest, according to the planning and infrastructure minister.
The new airports are to be developed on Haa Dhaal Makunudhoo, Shaviyani Bilehfahi, Baa Thulhaadhoo, Thaa Vilufushi, Faafu Magoodhoo and a location to be decided upon in south Raa Atoll.
The Addu City Council signed lease agreements for 23 plots of land designated for hotels and guesthouses. The plots were handed over to parties that submitted winning bids. The tourism zones are located on the islands of Hithadhoo, Feydhoo, Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo in the southernmost atoll.
After a hiatus due to the pandemic, the Maldives Airport Company Ltd decided to hand out an annual bonus of MVR25,000 (US$1,621) per staff for 2021. The MVR7.8 million allocated for bonuses is reportedly three times higher than 2019.
