Par Ali Bouzerda
The fault of Voltaire…? And for good reason, since mid-May, gasoline has exceeded the “psychological bar” of 15 dirhams per liter, when diesel has just crossed the bar of 14.50 dirhams. Unheard of and it’s not over…
According to energy market analysts, despite “accompanying measures” taken by the Akhannouch government, the inflationary rate has picked up again, and fuels remain “the flammable engine” which drives prices soaring, by negatively impacting the other sectors of the economy, in particular that of internal tourism.
This price surge has revived the controversy over the “reality of prices” by comparing those of crude oil and finished products on international markets, in particular on the Rotterdam market and their impact on gasoline and diesel sold in Morocco.
The average consumer who spent 450 dirhams to fill the tank of his small car finds himself faced with a fait accompli overnight: pay 50% more.
It should be noted that following a series of increases since the outbreak of the Ukrainian crisis, the liter of gasoline at the pump has increased on average by 1.08 dirhams and that of diesel by 0.28 dirhams, however prices fuels are not uniform and vary from one province to another of the kingdom.
Thus, hydrocarbons reached a new record since May 17 to be around 15.45 dirhams for gasoline, and this for the first time. In addition, diesel exceeded the 14 dirhams mark to reach 14.60 dirhams per liter, especially in the big cities.
This vertiginous increase combined with the increase in foodstuffs such as table oil and soon flour and bread, does not bode well. It comes two weeks before the start of Operation Marhaba 2022 – on June 5 – which is characterized by the return of our compatriots residing in Europe. On this occasion, hundreds of thousands of MREs are expected to travel by car from different regions of the old continent to return home.
Their budget for this summer’s holidays must certainly be revised upwards. Do they already know? It’s hard to say because in their minds, holidays in bled have always been cheaper, but after two years of absence due to Covid-19 and health restrictions, things have changed.
But one thing is clear, at least in the minds of some members of the Akhannouch government, starting with Fouzi Lekjaa, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, in charge of the Budget. On Monday, May 16, 2022, the latter warned the elected representatives of the people, during the session of oral questions in the House of Representatives. “Fuel prices were still on the rise and no one could predict their evolution,” he said without giving further details.
Moroccans are distinguished by their patience, but “patience has limits” (للصبر حدود), reminds us of the diva of the East, Oum Kalthoum.
Ssi Akhannouch: “What to do? “.
Ali Bouzerda