The attention of Moroccan consumers is increasingly focused on the imminent revision of fuel prices at the pump, with recent insights from industry sources indicating a strong likelihood of a price hike. According to a representative from the National Federation of Gas Station Owners, Merchants, and Managers in Morocco (FNPCGS), the trajectory of fuel prices is expected to follow an upward trend. The official remarked, "the magnitude of the increase remains dependent on a climate of caution and uncertainty, and currently hinges on speculation among professionals." Nevertheless, due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, it is anticipated that the price of diesel could reach or even slightly exceed a two-dirham increase.
This representative elaborated, stating, "The figures currently circulating are merely preliminary estimates. This anticipated increase is projected to be drastic, potentially surpassing the two-dirham threshold by mid-March." To mitigate the impact on consumers' purchasing power, there is hope among industry professionals that this significant price surge will be implemented in two phases.
The FNPCGS has also highlighted a critical lack of transparency within the sector. The source lamented that the forecasts and analyses provided by professionals do not significantly differ from the public discourse, underscoring that industry insiders are severely lacking in access to official and accurate data. Operators of gas stations find themselves at the mercy of their suppliers' pricing strategies, often discovering new rates only at the last minute, just before the price increase takes effect. It is worth noting that prices had already seen minor increases in February and at the beginning of March.
Urgent Calls for Government Intervention
In light of this precarious situation, energy expert and unionist Lahoucine El Yamani has raised the alarm, insisting that Moroccan policymakers must halt the liberalization of hydrocarbon prices, even if temporarily. He asserts that a return to price regulation is necessary to balance the interests of economic operators, safeguard consumer rights, and prevent the ongoing erosion of purchasing power. In response to crude oil prices soaring to $100 on international markets, El Yamani urges the government to take simultaneous action on multiple fronts. He first calls for measures to address the depletion of national reserves. He also suggests reintroducing subsidies from the Compensation Fund for fuel or easing, if not eliminating, the taxes imposed on these products. Lastly, he stresses the urgent need to seriously consider revitalizing the Moroccan refinery SAMIR to restore sustainable local storage and refining capacities.
As reported by fr.hespress.com.
