Ramadan Approaches as Fish Prices Surge in Morocco, Sparking Political Action

Sardine prices exceed 25 dirhams per kilogram in some popular markets in the city of Tetouan, while the price ranged between 8 and 15 dirhams, as observed by the newspaper Al3omk. As for the price of "Chtone" (anchovy) fish, it has risen to 40 dirhams per kilogram, after varying between 18 and 30 dirhams in recent days. As a result, this price surge has led to a drop in demand.

The president of the parliamentary group of the Party of Justice and Development (PJD), Abdellah Bouanou, says he is concerned about this situation. He has therefore sent a request to the president of the Productive Sectors Commission in the House of Representatives, to seek the opinion of the Competition Council on the rise in fish prices.

"The representatives of the maritime fishing shipowners and the representatives of the owners of maritime fishing boats, as well as the National Confederation of Fish Merchants in Moroccan ports and markets, have signed an agreement to increase the reference price for selling sardines in industrial fish sorting centers, due to the current difficulties for all stakeholders and to preserve the fishery wealth, guarantee the quality of industrial fish, and protect the interest of the sector and respect the specificity of the profession," he reveals. A decision that "can affect the prices of maritime fishery products on the national market," notes Abdellah Bouanou.