Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih stated that the public should receive truthful information regarding the economic challenges that could emerge from the current conflict instigated by the US and Israeli assaults on Iran.

During a rally on Sunday, Solih stated that the conflict has impacted the Maldives, highlighting a fall in tourist numbers and increasing global oil costs.

He stated that it is the government's duty to clearly inform the public about the situation.

“The priority at this moment is to offer accurate information to the public.” "The government has the ability to do this, and it's their duty," he stated, noting that the last administration employed a comparable strategy during the COVID‑19 crisis.

Solih condemned President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s latest comments regarding fuel supplies, asserting that the government lacked complete transparency.

“He recently addressed a press conference regarding oil, stating that there is no cause for concern, that we have a month’s supply stored in Malé, and that additional orders have been placed.” “However, if an oil tanker does not come every two weeks, STO's supply will decrease to 10 or 15 days," he stated.

Solih stated that the Maldives uses between 1.1 billion and 2 billion litres of fuel each year, and cautioned that the public needs to be informed about the possible economic consequences of the conflict.

He remarked that the current global oil prices lie between USD 92 and USD 95 per barrel, but might increase to USD 150 per barrel, resembling the surges experienced during the COVID‑19 period.

"I hope this conflict ends as quickly as it can." However, it displays no indication of coming to a close. “Visitors might still arrive, but ticket prices will increase, shipping costs will go up, and consequently, the prices of goods will also rise,” he stated.

“If you maintain secrecy with deception or by concealing the truth, the challenges that arise will be far worse,” he stated.

Solih also highlighted that 35 percent of visitors to the Maldives originate from the Middle East, a region directly influenced by the conflict, which might further affect tourism.

Fuel costs in the Maldives have recently risen because of increasing global prices associated with the conflict. The government announced it is overseeing the situation and possesses adequate reserves.