As reported by sources within fuel distribution stations in Morocco, a new surge in diesel prices has been recorded as of Thursday morning, with several stations implementing the increase. This price hike is expected to be gradually adopted across various stations in the coming hours.
Insider information reveals that some fuel stations received notifications regarding the price increase from distribution companies on Wednesday evening, while others were informed late at night. The reported increase amounts to one dirham at certain stations, raising the price of diesel from 14.50 dirhams to 15.50 dirhams per liter. Meanwhile, other stations opted for a modest increase of 95 centimes, consequently bringing diesel prices closer to that of gasoline, which has remained unchanged up to this point, according to industry professionals.
This marks the third rise in fuel prices in Morocco, following an initial increase on March 16, which affected both diesel and gasoline, and a subsequent hike on April 1. The anticipated bi-monthly price adjustment has raised eyebrows among consumers. Hussein Yamani, President of the National Front for the Rescue of the Moroccan Oil Refinery and Secretary-General of the National Union of Petroleum and Gas, claimed that such occurrences indicate a tacit agreement among fuel companies in Morocco, which blatantly violates the law concerning price freedom and competition. This law prohibits any agreements or collusions aimed at raising prices or limiting competition.
Yamani expressed disbelief that companies purchasing fuel at different times and prices would converge or standardize their selling prices, suggesting this raises serious concerns regarding compliance with competition laws. In a previous statement, Ahmed Raho, Head of the Competition Council, noted that while there was no clear evidence of collusion among operators in the fuel sector, there seemed to be an implicit understanding regarding the uniformity of timing for announcing price increases every 15 days.
Raho emphasized the need for each operator to adopt their own pricing strategy and adjust prices as they see fit based on their specific circumstances. It is also worth mentioning that the price of oil per barrel saw an increase on Thursday after a previous drop, amid uncertainties surrounding the potential outcomes of peace talks between the United States and Iran, which could end the conflict that halted oil production in key Middle Eastern regions.
As reported by hespress.com.
