DR ‹ › «There will be no increase in the prices of butane gas and electricity,» declared Aziz Akhannouch during the evening news broadcast on Al Aoula this Monday, March 30. The statement came after the first meeting of the ministerial committee tasked with monitoring the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on the Moroccan economy. The head of government stressed that since the start of the conflict in Iran on February 28, international gas prices have surged by «68%». Despite this spike, «the price of gas cylinders will remain unchanged in Morocco,» he assured. Aziz Akhannouch also indicated that his government is closely monitoring the evolution of agricultural product prices, although no specific measures were announced at this stage. However, he confirmed that subsidies will be granted to goods and passenger transport operators. Professionals in the sector «will receive monthly assistance, provided they maintain the rates in effect before February 28,» he explained. He added that this subsidy will cover the period from March 15 to April 15. Should the conflict in the Middle East continue beyond that date, the government is ready to reassess the situation at the next meeting of the ministerial committee. A statement from the Prime Minister's office also indicated that 87,000 requests have been submitted by transporters seeking to benefit from this support. For context, the government decided on March 19 to grant exceptional aid to the sector, three days after fuel prices increased by 1.44 dirhams for gasoline and 2 dirhams for diesel. The move has sparked criticism, notably from the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), despite it being part of the governing majority. The same statement added that the measure aims to ensure a steady and continuous supply to the market. As the May 1 holiday approaches, unions involved in the April round of social dialogue are stepping up their demands. The Democratic Confederation of Labor (CDT) is notably calling for a general increase in salaries and pensions to offset rising prices.
