Rabat – The prices of fuel in Moroccan gas stations have slightly dropped, giving small relief to citizens amid the ongoing inflation and soaring commodity prices that are weighing down on Moroccans’ purchasing power.
Casablanca’s filling stations experienced a 1 MAD drop in diesel prices, sitting below the MAD 13 mark per liter. Meanwhile, the price of gasoline remained almost unchanged.
The Global Petrol Prices website shows that diesel prices in Morocco cost an average of MAD 13.78 per liter on Wednesday, compared to the global average of 13.44 MAD per liter.
Meanwhile, gasoline costs an average of MAD 14.55 per liter in Morocco, whereas the global average stands at 13.44 MAD, the website indicated.
The global market has been experiencing a prolonged fuel and energy crisis due to the war in Ukraine. In the wake of the global fuel crisis, diesel prices jumped to MAD 16 in Morocco, while gasoline exceeded MAD 14 per liter.
The slight decrease in diesel costs comes as the North African country is suffering from alarming increases in basic commodity prices.
Coupled with the Moroccan government’s unresponsiveness on the matter, the rising inflation sparked anxiety and worry among citizens, who are overwhelmed by the successive crises.
Read also: Morocco’s Market Watchdog Distances Itself From Price Hikes
The crippling situation triggered protests in several Moroccan cities, including Tangier and Meknes, calling on the government to address the increasing prices and tackle the issue.
The crisis has particularly impacted low-income families, who can no longer afford to buy basic goods, such as vegetables and fruits.
In most Moroccan souks – traditional markets – potatoes cost as much as 10 MAD, while tomatoes cost between MAD 12 and 16. The situation is especially worrisome as Ramadan, during which tomato consumption increases, is fast approaching.
The campaign has extended to social media, with Moroccan netizens urging public figures to address the ongoing market imbalances and calling on the government to intervene and introduce concrete solutions.
The Democratic Confederation of Labor (CDT) has announced holding several protests, condemning the food and fuel costs. The protests are set to take place next Sunday in a number of Moroccan cities.
