Bensouda Market Launches Amidst Price Surge
The Bensouda market, dedicated to the sale of sacrificial animals for the upcoming Eid al-Adha, officially opened its doors on Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Fez. This year's launch attracted a significant number of shoppers eager to purchase their sacrificial animals, yet it was marked by notable price disparities that left many citizens in shock.
In scattered statements, numerous shoppers expressed their dismay regarding the prices being offered, which they felt had increased substantially compared to previous years. One shopper described the atmosphere in the market as "fiery" due to the exorbitant prices that characterized the market's opening day. Arriving with 3,500 dirhams in hand to buy a sheep, they were astonished to find prices soaring to a minimum of 4,500 dirhams, highlighting that the budgets allocated for such purchases have become insufficient even for nominal quality animals.
Adding to the frustration, several customers reported that many local farmers left the market early on, as brokers and speculators managed to acquire a significant portion of the available animals. This trend notably contributed to the sharp rise in prices observed on the first day of sales, prompting citizens to call upon local authorities for urgent intervention to monitor the market and curb the speculative practices that often accompany this period, which can lead to tensions and disputes. Moreover, these price hikes have a direct impact on the purchasing power of Moroccan families, with many urging caution and recommending delaying purchases in hopes that prices will gradually decrease as the Eid approaches and supply increases.
As reported by alhakika24.com.
