Morocco Rules Out Fuel Subsidies Amid Rising Prices, Finance Minister Says

The Minister of Finance was categorical on Monday in the House of Representatives. Fuels are not the only products that are currently expensive, and the government has already granted a subsidy to professionals in the transport sector. Thus, for Nadia Fettah Alaoui, there will be no subsidy on fuel prices, due to lack of means and because the priorities at the moment are elsewhere.

Besieged with questions by opposition deputies, the Minister of Finance remained firm on the need for the government to think about all the sectors suffering from the current inflation. "It is asked today of the government to manage as best it can the consequences of this global crisis, without however mortgaging the major projects contained in the government program. Clear choices have been made concerning the implementation of the social state, renewable energies and water. We must stick to them," she affirmed, adding that "the government is managing the price crisis with the means at its disposal. The budget does not allow us to subsidize fuel prices."

For the minister, with the consequences of this crisis, it is essential for the government to act as a priority in favor of "the future of the children of Moroccans, who want quality health and education." So instead of a new subsidy on hydrocarbon prices, the government will continue to support transport professionals on a case-by-case basis, Nadia Fettah Alaoui recalled.

The minister specified that the supply of fuel, but also of wheat, remains the challenge to be met by the government. "We are fully committed with our partners to ensure the supply of the domestic market," to avoid any stock shortages, as is the case in other countries.