Morocco: controversy over the increase in olive pressing

This increase does not take into account the situation of Moroccan families who depend on limited quantities of olives to produce oil for domestic consumption, or to sell small quantities retail throughout the year, reports Hespress. Observers believe that the decision will have a direct impact on the final cost of olive oil, adding that Moroccan consumers do not object to a price increase if it is justified by a rise in operating or energy costs.

The unanimous decision of mill owners to raise prices has provoked the anger of small farmers who consider that this approach lacks transparency. Other comments have noted that some mill owners profit from the sale of pressing residues, which represents an additional resource intended to alleviate part of the operating costs, making this increase incompatible with the reality of the sector.

Similarly, Internet users insist on the need to regulate the prices of mill services and to adopt a clear framework setting a fair ceiling for pressing costs, ensuring the protection of both small farmers and consumers. They also call for urgent intervention by the competent authorities to suspend this decision or revise it in order to avoid any additional impact on the production cost of olive oil during this season, which is already experiencing a significant drop in price compared to previous seasons.