Sardine Prices Surge in Morocco, Straining Budgets Ahead of Eid al-Adha

Sardine prices, known as the "poor man’s fish", now range between 20 and 22 dirhams per kilogram. Enough to provoke the indignation of many citizens, especially those with limited incomes, who are struggling to obtain them in the run-up to Eid al-Adha. "The rise in sardine prices coincides with the rise in the purchase price of sheep for the holiday, increasing expenses and making the purchase of sheep for the holiday very difficult in these economic conditions," said deputy Mehdi Fatemi in a written question addressed to the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests.

The MP also reported that "the increase in the prices of certain other fish and seafood, including sole, shrimp and squid, has been particularly significant in recent days." He then questioned Mohammed Sadiki about "the plans" of his ministry "to monitor and prevent the speculation attributed to the rise in fish prices," but also about "future plans to ensure the sustainability of fish resources in the country and provide them at competitive prices for citizens." He also asked to "guarantee transparency in the determination of fish prices and prevent monopolies in the fish market."

On Wednesday, Mohammed Sadiki chaired a meeting at the headquarters of his ministry, during which exchanges took place with the presidents of the fishing chambers of the kingdom on the scarcity of marine resources in several surface fisheries and the means to ensure the sustainability of this resource, particularly in the south.