Moroccan Household Spending Surges 18% During Ramadan, Study Finds

In detail, average household spending increases by 15.4% in urban areas, and by 4.8% in rural areas during the holy month, reports the daily Assabah, citing HCP data. During this period, food-related spending records an increase of 17.8% compared to other months of the year, i.e. 19% in urban areas, compared to 4.5% in rural areas.

By social categories, this increase is 3.3% for the least well-off households, 11.9% for the middle classes, and 12.5% for the wealthiest families. Supermarkets, food stores, restaurants or fast-food establishments, or establishments offering pastries and culinary specialties, benefit the most from this increase in Moroccan household spending.

In addition to these establishments, which see their turnover increase by 20 or even 30% during this period, according to a manager of a large store, the traditional clothing market also sees an influx of customers during the month of Ramadan. "The level of religiosity among Moroccans peaks at this time of year. Mosques are seeing a strong influx," adds the daily.

Travel agencies also benefit from this period by offering "Umrah" packages to their clients, "especially those who did not have the chance to be selected in the lottery for the Hajj," the publication informs, noting that the prices offered vary depending on the standing of the hotels and their proximity to religious sites, and that Umrah and Hajj products account for 70% of the activity of these agencies.