Saturday
20th Apr 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Air Asia has suspended providing cargo services due to Velana International Airport jacking up prices for jet fuel and severely restricting sale of jet fuel to airlines.
The local agent for the airline reported that Air Asia currently flights to the Maldives only carries fuel enough for two-way trips that carry only passengers. If the airline is to take cargo, then it has to purchase jet fuel at the airport. However, due to the price hikes and restrictions, the airline had to take the decision not to carry cargo.
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) had recently announced a fuel shortage. MACL Corporate Communications, General Manager Hassan Areef reported to Dhiyares that the company had to impose restrictions due to a supply side delay.
He assured that a control mechanism was put in place to ensure that all airlines can receive jet fuel, even at reduced quantities.
Fuel price hikes have deeply impacted the country. State Trading Organization (STO) had increased prices from the 24th of last month – with this, a petrol liter now costs MVR 16.55 (US$ 1.08) and a diesel liter costs MVR 16.77 (US$ 1.09).