MALE, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The Maldives' plastic bag levy is cutting plastic consumption as intended, with government revenue from the surcharge dropping 40 percent in the first two months of 2026, the Maldives' state media PSM News said Saturday.

Statistics released by the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority showed that the state collected 43,259.47 U.S. dollars from the levy during January and February, down from 72,186.64 dollars in the same period last year.

The levy, introduced under the national Waste Management Act, has required retailers to charge 0.13 dollars per plastic bag at the point of sale, PSM News said.

Officials said the lower revenue reflects a decline in plastic bag imports, indicating reduced consumption nationwide. ■