Fuel prices in Morocco are likely to increase again following the recent adjustment earlier this month, according to insiders in the fuel retail sector and labor union representatives. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to create instability in global oil markets, placing renewed pressure on fuel costs and weakening household purchasing power across the country.
Earlier in March, the prices of diesel and gasoline were already adjusted upward. Diesel rose by nearly 2 dirhams per liter, while gasoline increased by about 1.5 dirhams per liter. A representative from the National Federation of Fuel Station Owners, Traders, and Managers revealed that another price rise is now highly expected. However, the exact date and method of implementation remain uncertain because fuel pricing decisions are controlled by supply and distribution companies rather than station operators.
Fuel station owners are currently operating under significant uncertainty, not only regarding price changes but also concerning the status of national fuel reserves. According to the industry source, retailers often receive unofficial information about upcoming price increases through rumors and discussions circulating in the market, sometimes even through social media platforms, just like ordinary consumers.
He further explained that official confirmation of new prices usually reaches station owners only a few hours before the changes take effect. Distributors rarely provide clear guidance, long-term pricing plans, or transparent commercial strategies, leaving retailers unable to prepare adequately for sudden adjustments.
Market indicators suggest that another increase is almost unavoidable. Estimates indicate that the total rise could reach around 2 dirhams per liter. One possible scenario being discussed within the sector is that the increase may be applied gradually in two stages, with one adjustment at the end of March and another in mid-April, instead of implementing the full increase at once.
Such a gradual approach, according to the source, would help reduce the shock on consumers and prevent a sudden financial burden on both households and fuel station operators. Even with higher pump prices, retailers do not benefit from the increase, as their profit margins remain fixed at approximately 350 to 400 dirhams per ton regardless of the selling price.
He stressed that higher fuel prices do not translate into higher profits for station owners. Instead, the rise leads to higher operating costs, increased investment requirements, and more financial pressure on businesses within the distribution chain.
Houssine El Yamani, Secretary-General of the National Petroleum and Gas Union affiliated with the Democratic Confederation of Labour, described the consequences of the Middle East conflict as alarming. He warned that diesel prices in Morocco could eventually reach 18 dirhams per liter after adding international market costs, taxes, transportation expenses, and distributor margins.
According to him, urgent government action is necessary to maintain economic stability, protect citizens’ purchasing power, and prevent social tension. Without intervention, continued increases in fuel prices could have serious consequences for transport costs, food prices, and overall living expenses.
In response to the situation, the Moroccan government announced on March 17 that it would begin a new phase of exceptional financial support for road transport professionals in order to reduce the burden caused by rising fuel costs. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy Transition confirmed that fuel supply operations through ports and the domestic distribution network remain stable, assuring the public that there is no immediate risk of fuel shortages despite the volatile international market.
The global oil market continues to react to geopolitical tensions, particularly the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which remains one of the most important oil-producing regions in the world. Any disruption in supply, shipping routes, or production levels directly affects fuel prices in importing countries such as Morocco, making local prices highly sensitive to international developments.
For more information about global oil market trends, readers can refer to the International Energy Agency report:
https://www.iea.org/
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