Surging Fuel Prices Raise Concerns in Morocco
The recent surge in fuel prices has reignited concerns among Moroccans, particularly after the petrol price reached nearly 14 dirhams and diesel hit around 12 dirhams as of March 16, 2026. This situation has sparked widespread anger and anxiety, particularly given the backdrop of ongoing tensions in the Middle East, which have contributed to fluctuating global oil prices. The looming possibility of diesel reaching 18 dirhams per liter, once considered a hypothetical scenario, now seems increasingly plausible.
Experts emphasize that the current price hikes are not merely coincidental; they reflect a volatile international market for oil and refined products. Houssine El Yamani, the Secretary General of the National Oil and Gas Union, reported on March 22 that the international price of diesel was approximately 11 dirhams per liter. When factoring in transportation and storage costs (around 1 dirham), taxes (close to 4 dirhams), and distributor margins (about 2 dirhams), the retail price at the pump could soon approach 18 dirhams, or potentially even higher in the medium term.
Implications and Calls for Government Intervention
In light of these developments, the scenario of diesel prices reaching 20 dirhams per liter is becoming increasingly conceivable. An escalation of regional conflicts, disruptions in supply routes, or a contraction in global oil supply could trigger another wave of price increases. The immediate repercussions of such a spike would likely include soaring transportation costs, a widespread rise in the prices of essential goods, and heightened pressure on consumer purchasing power, which has already been weakened by the ongoing repercussions of the Ukrainian crisis.
In response to this alarming situation, calls for government intervention are intensifying. El Yamani advocates for urgent measures to maintain social peace, including reversing the liberalization of fuel prices, capping the margins of operators, and reducing taxes, which currently exceed 4 dirhams on diesel and 5 dirhams on petrol. Beyond these immediate concerns, the broader issue of energy sovereignty is at stake. There is a pressing need for a strategic shift that includes revitalizing the Samir refinery, enhancing national oil exploration, and better regulating storage and distribution activities to prevent opportunistic behaviors during crises.
Ultimately, the threat of diesel reaching 18 dirhams per liter serves as a stark reminder of Morocco's vulnerable energy model, which is susceptible to external shocks. It underscores the urgent need for structural reforms to prevent each international crisis from transforming into a domestic social crisis.
As reported by maroc-hebdo.com.
