Fuel Price Surge: Afriquia Avoids Criticism as Consumers Target Shell

Generally, the criticism rains down after the surge in fuel prices. Contrary to what was observed until now, consumers have Shell in their sights. The latter is the first company to have raised the price of gasoline last Wednesday, bringing it to more than 14 DH per liter and that of diesel to 12 DH, while Afriquia - Akhannouch’s company - has lowered its prices at its service stations. This price surge has provoked strong reactions. The general rule was that all companies modify their prices simultaneously by following the prices announced by Afriquia, explained to Alyaoum24 a source familiar with the fuel market.

This time, the company of the head of government preferred to let a foreign company take the first step. Especially since it would be seen in a bad light if Afriquia raised prices while the government says it is looking into the rise in fuel prices. Result: it is Shell that has faced criticism from consumers. "In this story, Afriquia came out victorious, because its owner, the head of government, was not the main target of criticism this time following the record increase in fuel prices," comments an operator in the sector.