Drought and Global Crisis Drive Olive Oil Prices Soaring in Morocco

Olive oil prices, which are already high in Morocco, could increase by 25%, putting the product out of reach of many consumers. The drought that the kingdom has experienced this season has raised concerns about the availability of olive oil. In many regions, a liter of olive oil sells for 80 dirhams (7.24 euros), an already high price knowing that the average gross salary in Morocco is 323 euros, according to Moody’s Analytics.

Many Moroccans have expressed their discontent on social media in the face of the high cost and unavailability of olive oil, a key ingredient in local cuisine. Rachid Benali, president of the Moroccan Interprofessional Association of Olive Oil (INTERPROLIVE), has warned consumers that olive oil fraud could increase due to the shortage. Morocco may be unable to produce enough olive oil to meet domestic demand and fulfill its export commitments.

"In Morocco, unfortunately, olive oil is still largely consumed in bulk. According to our estimates, this mode of consumption represents 85% of national consumption and leaves the field open to various fraud methods, because there is no real way to verify if this oil is falsified," explained Benali, adding that most of the fraud occurs on virgin or extra virgin olive oils that are mixed with non-virgin or vegetable oils.

Benali points out that "these practices are prohibited in Morocco and are considered fraud," even if they "are not harmful to health and are even tolerated in some countries, as long as the packaging indicates that it is a blended oil." In several regions of the kingdom, the price of olive oil could reach 100 dirhams (9.04 euros) per liter, he warns. According to the International Olive Council, Morocco exported 28,000 tons of olive oil during the 2021/22 campaign, while domestic consumption stood at 150,000 tons compared to only 37,000 tons in 1990/91.