Drought Drives Steep Olive Oil Price Hike in Morocco

"The price increase is inevitable and expected, given the low productivity, which means that supply does not match demand," explains an agricultural engineer. In a statement to Telquel, he said that olive oil is a product highly prized by Moroccans who will not fail to consume it, despite this announced price increase.

The surge in olive oil prices is explained by the climatic variations recorded during the winter, "the vegetative dormancy period" of the olive, which favors its growth and allows to obtain a good harvest, in quality and quantity, he details, adding that the rise in temperatures and the scarcity of rains have led to a drastic drop in agricultural production this season.

To mitigate the effects of this crisis, urgent measures must be taken, the engineer said, calling in particular for the "development or import of new agricultural varieties capable of adapting to the dry climate" and the rationalization of water. Ajouri also invited the State to "monitor and cap prices" and to support olive producers in order to save this vital sector for the Moroccan economy.