The offensive by the United States and Israel against Iran places Morocco in the face of a major geostrategic earthquake. Despite the distance, the kingdom must manage a surge in its energy bill while asserting itself as a global maritime hub.
Morocco has frozen its tender for the construction of a gas storage unit in Nador . This unexpected decision prolongs the Kingdom’s energy dependence on Spain, amid internal budget disagreements within the government.
Opposition from the Finance Ministry forced the Energy Ministry to suspend the call for bids for the new gas pipeline . Financial risks and procedural flaws are cited as the main causes of this unexpected blockage.
The Ministry of Energy Transition announced on Monday the postponement of the tender for the construction of a gas pipeline linking the port of Nador West Med to the national network. The decision, prompted by new technical parameters, concerns key infrastructure for importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) and supplying industrial hubs along the Atlantic coast.
Spain is placing its energy hopes in the hands of Washington. To reactivate the gas pipeline crossing Moroccan territory , Madrid is now counting on the success of American mediation between Rabat and Algiers.
The Morocco presents the Atlantic Africa Gas Pipeline as a major infrastructure for regional integration and supply to Europe, but a recent analysis depicts a much darker economic reality. According to the North Africa Risk Consulting (NARCO) firm, this mega-project connecting Nigeria to Morocco would be a financial sinkhole whose amortization would require nearly three centuries.
The Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, has put an end to speculation about a possible increase in the price of butane gas . During his appearance before the House of Councillors on Tuesday, he assured that the price of the gas cylinder would remain unchanged, while announcing an imminent revaluation of the amounts of direct social assistance.
Despite proposals from Spain and international partners, Algeria maintains its position and opposes the reopening of the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline crossing Morocco to export its natural gas to Europe. A decision that reflects the depth of the diplomatic crisis between the two neighboring countries.
Rich in natural gas, Morocco’s subsoil continues to attract international companies specializing in oil and gas exploration.
In Morocco, the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development intends to raise the share of natural gas to 30% of the energy mix by 2030.
Morocco is actively working on implementing the transatlantic gas pipeline with Nigeria. The realization of this megaproject, along with the exploitation of potential gas deposits in the kingdom, should allow it to achieve energy self-sufficiency by 2030.
Subsidies for butane gas cost the Moroccan state more than 15 billion dirhams each year, said Fouzi Lekjaa, Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget, at the beginning of the week.