Rabat – Morocco’s Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch assured Moroccans on Thursday that food prices in the country will start decreasing, in light of good domestic production and tighter regulations.
Akhannouch called to tighten regulation around food supplies in markets across the country, in an effort to ensure higher quality of product and protect consumers’ purchasing power.
Speaking during a cabinet council meeting that took place on Thursday, the politician referred to “high royal instructions” to protect citizens’ purchasing power and guarantee that markets are sufficiently supplied with essential food products.
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI had previously addressed the food prices concerns during his 23rd Throne Day speech, directing the government to subsidize basic goods and make sure they are accessible to all citizens.
The Prime Minister directed national authorities to strengthen their oversight over marketplaces, especially as the month of Ramadan will mean increased demand for food at a time when budgets are tighter than ever.
Officials will conduct personal visits to many of the country’s markets to make sure the quality and prices of food meet the standards, Morocco’s News Agency (MAP) reported.
Production of vegetables in the country, particularly tomatoes, is at a good level, Akhannouch said during the meeting.
As Morocco overcomes its recent cold wave and temperatures stabilize, the prices of tomatoes, potatoes, and onions should also come down due to renewed production cycles, he reassured.
The lifting of taxes and tariffs on cattle — animals and meat — should also help the prices of red meat come down in the coming weeks, Akhannouch added.
He also urged the joint committee of the ministries of interior, agriculture, industry, and finance to “follow the markets daily” and to take any necessary measures to meet demand.
Food prices have known a steady increase in Morocco over the past year, due to international supply issues as well as a historic drought that hit the country’s agricultural sector.
Coupled with already tightening budgets due to an increase in energy and fuel prices, many Moroccan families have found themselves struggling to make ends meet.
A 2022 report by Morocco’s High Commission for Planning (HCP) showed that the inflation rate rose by 8.3% year on year, mainly due to the increase in food prices and higher transport costs.
