Fuel Price Surge in Morocco Sparks Controversy and Transport Industry Concerns

Since Thursday, the price of a liter of diesel has risen by 27 cents to reach 11.80 dirhams. As for the liter of gasoline, it has increased by 49 cents, and is sold for almost 14.50 dirhams. Consumers, particularly transporters, are annoyed by this new increase that undermines their activity. "You have to know that previously, the cost price for a 48-seat coach was around 3 dirhams/km, while today it almost reaches 5 dirhams," reacted Kamil Cherif-Alami, general manager of Atlas Rider, a major player in tourism transport, to Inspirations Éco.

Some sector specialists believe that this new surge in fuel prices cannot be justified by the evolution of oil prices or the dollar. Since February 5, the oil price converted into dirhams has been declining at 730 dirhams per barrel. It goes without saying that prices should, until September of this year, vary between 11.5 dirhams and 12.50 dirhams, respectively, for a liter of diesel and gasoline. According to other experts, this increase is well justified. "Demand for fuels is increasing considerably during the summer period," said Mostafa Labrak, CEO of Energysium Consulting.

He will affirm that there is a strong demand for oil products worldwide during the summer, at a time when the cartel of producing countries is seeking to lower global production. The price of a barrel should exceed $85. It could thus go from $85 to $90 towards the end of September before stabilizing. For Labrak, the current increase "does not reflect the true reality of prices". "Companies have not applied 100% of the normal rates for various reasons, preferring to adapt