Rabat – The Moroccan Observatory for Consumer Protection expressed concerns over what it described as unjustified price increases affecting essential goods during Ramadan.
In a statement on Facebook, the consumer observatory said it has been following the situation in dismay, pointing to price jumps in flour, oil, sugar, milk, and dates.
“What is happening today in many markets and points of sale raises serious questions about the real reasons behind these increases, especially in light of relative stability in supply chains; fueling suspicions of speculative practices and clear exploitation of citizens’ purchasing power,” the statement said.
In response, the observatory called on authorities to intensify daily field monitoring of markets and distribution challenges, regulate profit margins for widely consumed basic goods; and publish reference price lists to enhance transparency.
It also urged citizens to demand invoices reporting any unjustified price increases as well as boycott anyone proven involved in this exploitation.
Earlier this month, Morocco reactivated its national consumer complaints hotline, 5757, for the duration of Ramadan.
The hotline operates daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the services allowing citizens to directly reach complaint units in their local prefectures and provinces.
It enables consumers to report a wide range of violations; including fraud, food quality and safety breaches, supply shortages, illegal commercial practices, and unfair competition.
Many Moroccans took to social media to complain about increased prices of goods, including sardines which now reached MAD 40 to 45 per kilogram.
At some points of sales, shrimps prices reached MAD 150.44. Some vendors, including in Rabat are seeing a change this Ramadan from previous years.
“I notice that the atmosphere of Ramadan this year is not like previous years, even in the selling activities. Hopefully, the recent rain will bring its benefits and bear fruit, and we will be fine soon,” a vendor in the Rabat old medina told Morocco World News (MWN).
The vendor, who sells oil in the medina said there is not much demand this year compared to other Ramadan seasons.
“My father sells spices; he also usually has demand, but this year it is less. Wishing the best and the good from Allah,” the vendor added.
