Moroccan Eid Al-Adha Sheep Prices Surge, Costing Families Up to 1,500 Dirhams More

In traditional markets and souks, supermarkets and even online sheep sales platforms, the price of sheep is up from last year. According to Le Matin, who took a tour on Sunday in the weekly souk of Oulad Abbou in the province of Berrechid, the Moroccan consumer will have to pay nearly 1,000 to 1,500 DH more for the purchase of the sacrificial beast.

All merchants justify this price increase by the rise in the prices of inputs used in the feeding and fattening of the animals. "It is clear that prices have increased this year. Everything is expensive, the prices of fodder have particularly increased," explains one of them, adding that despite inflation, "the consumer must buy according to his budget. There is something for all budgets."

Moreover, the majority of Moroccans have a preference for local sheep, considered to be of better quality than imported sheep. Better, the purchase of local sheep promotes the national economy and Moroccan breeders, assures a consumer. "Here, you won’t find any imported sheep. The entire supply comes from local breeders. These are breeds that we know and we prefer to acquire for the sacrifice," he confides.