After increases at the pump, some Moroccan motorists are seeing another mandatory expense rise: their insurance. Several companies are said to have increased motor third-party liability premiums by around 5%.
Transport operators in Souss-Massa are denouncing a paradoxical situation: while the state is helping them absorb part of the cost of fuel, tax audits would now be imposing adjustments on them that, according to their union, could push some companies into bankruptcy.
Morocco has no public strategic stock of hydrocarbons . The CESE points to the weaknesses of a system relying essentially on private operators, while the national supply depends entirely on imports of refined products.
Electric and hybrid cars are rapidly gaining ground in Morocco. By the end of July, their sales had surged by 86.3% in one year, as rising fuel prices are prompting more and more motorists to consider alternative powertrains.
Diesel and petrol prices rose by one dirham per litre in Morocco overnight from Sunday to Monday. A significant increase for motorists, but less severe than the two- to three-dirham increases that were initially feared.
Moroccan motorists have escaped, at least temporarily, a sharp increase in fuel prices. The rise expected overnight from Friday to Saturday was ultimately not implemented.
Moroccan motorists should prepare for a sharp increase in fuel prices. Diesel could rise by up to 3 dirhams per liter and petrol by around 2.50 dirhams, pushing prices above the 16-dirham mark at some stations.
Fuel prices are rising again in Morocco. Starting Thursday, July 16, diesel will increase by up to 70 cents per liter, while premium gasoline will rise by nearly 40 cents.
Moroccan driving schools are not covered by the new fuel aid program for transport professionals. The Transport Ministry emphasizes that their rates are regulated and any price increase would be illegal.
Volotea has been called to order for a system allowing it to modify the price of already paid tickets according to fuel prices. A sensitive practice for travelers, particularly those using the low-cost airline to travel to Morocco.
Russia has temporarily banned diesel exports to secure its domestic market after Ukrainian strikes against its energy infrastructure. This decision also affects Morocco, an importer dependent on refined fuel.
Spanish imports of diesel from Morocco have exploded since the military escalation in the Middle East. The Iberian oil sector denounces unfair competition and suspects a maneuver to introduce Russian fuel into Europe despite sanctions.