Ramadan Food Prices Plummet in Morocco Amid COVID-19 Crisis

A historic drop in food prices induced by the effect of covid-19 is noted at the beginning of Ramadan. A press release from the inter-ministerial commission responsible for monitoring supply, prices and quality control operations confirms the information. "Significant price drops have been recorded compared to the same period last year," the statement said.

As an illustration, the commission notes that the drop is remarkable in the prices of tomatoes and dry onions, which are 11% lower than the previous year. Green onions are down 36%, red meats 7% and live chicken 26%.

For the commission, the constitution of large stocks due to confinement, and the slowdown in agricultural exports, would be at the origin of this historic drop in prices. Added to this is the elimination of intermediation margins with the establishment of direct sales between producers and distributors.