Gas Shortage Looms in Morocco as Ramadan Approaches Amid Industry Dispute

Moroccan consumers risk being deprived of butane gas during the month of Ramadan, following recent statements by industry professionals about a possible threat of strike, in order to encourage the government to respond to their demands.

In its edition today, the daily Assabah indicates that the strike of professionals was scheduled for the month of January, and that it had been postponed in the hope of receiving, from the Minister Lahcen Daoudi, favorable echoes to their demands, relating to taxes and new invoice formulations imposed by the 2019 Finance Act.

Stating that most of the distributors’ demands have been met, the Minister of General Affairs and Governance believes, however, that the professionals expressed their demand relating to the Finance Act in a late manner, and promises to respond to their request during the next Finance Act, in consultation with the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

The professionals feel aggrieved by the provisions of the new Finance Act, which has reduced their profit margin, and have abandoned the idea of the strike in January to avoid disrupting the market.