Rise in Lentil Prices in Morocco: Consumers Warn Against Deception – Media7

Lentil prices have recently reached record levels in Moroccan markets. Consumers are concerned about the fraudulent and deceptive practices that accompany this price surge.

The Skyrocketing Prices

Local lentil prices have exceeded 30 dirhams per kilogram at retailers, while imported lentils sell for 25 dirhams per kilogram. This situation has caused general discontent among citizens. What was once considered an affordable food for the poor is no longer accessible due to current prices, they say.

Probable Causes of Price Increase

Some attribute the price rise mainly to the decline in local lentil production and the significant increase in prices, which affected many food products.

Questionable Practices of Traders

Bouazza El Kharrati, president of the Moroccan Union of Consumer Rights, revealed that the increase in lentil prices is due to fluctuations in supply and demand. He pointed out that many citizens turn to other alternatives when the temperature drops and the weather becomes colder, thus promoting the consumption of cotton goods.

El Kharrati warned that many traders are taking advantage of the high demand for cotton goods to raise their prices, warning against indirect increases by mixing “Roman and local” lentils and selling them at the price of local lentils.

Fraudulent Practices and System Flaws

In a similar context, the same spokesperson revealed that many traders do not recognize the law of supply and demand, preferring fraudulent and deceptive practices. He pointed out that many food products are seeing their weight reduced while maintaining their previous prices or increasing them.

The President of the Union considered that the problem of consumption in Morocco is a major challenge, stressing the need to create an institution responsible for monitoring prices in the markets in order to fight against fraud and deception.