Olive oil crisis in Morocco: a treasure that has become inaccessible

Olive oil, a mainstay of Moroccan cuisine, has become a luxury for many as prices reach alarming heights. Experts say a liter of olive oil could soon cost up to 150 dirhams, a situation that puts consumers in a difficult situation and producers under pressure.

The price increase is mainly due to the persistent drought affecting Morocco, the world’s fourth largest producer of olive oil. Production has fallen significantly due to insufficient rainfall and extreme temperatures, which have severely affected the flowering and fruiting of olive trees. This drop in production has led to a decrease in supply, while demand remains strong.

At the same time, production costs have skyrocketed due to global inflation and supply chain disruptions. Fertilizer, pesticide and transportation prices have all increased, pushing up olive oil prices.

Despite the Moroccan government’s efforts to stabilize prices, including by banning olive oil exports, speculation remains a major problem. Middlemen multiply transactions, which contributes to price increases before olive oil reaches consumers. This situation worsens the distress of Moroccan households, who struggle to access an essential ingredient in their daily cooking.

Agriculture Minister Mohamed Sadiki recently admitted that the harvest season is set to be difficult. Amid growing protests, some consumers are calling on the government to step in to subsidize this vital commodity.

The forecast for the coming months is worrying. If the climate situation does not improve and economic tensions persist, olive oil prices could continue to rise. To address this crisis, solutions such as crop diversification, investment in more resilient agricultural technologies and importing olive oil from neighboring countries such as Tunisia or Spain are being considered. However, the government has not yet made a decision on this matter.

This crisis highlights the vulnerability of Moroccan agriculture to climate change and economic fluctuations. It is imperative to rethink agricultural strategies to ensure equitable access to essential food products and protect the country’s natural resources. Until sustainable solutions are found, Moroccans will have to adapt their consumption habits and hope for effective interventions from the authorities.

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