Four years after the Covid-19 pandemic, Moroccan consumers are still paying the costs. At the Labitat market in Rabat, known for its low prices, the situation displeases consumers and merchants. Exorbitant prices combined with an unprecedented drought make purchasing power fragile prey to market fluctuations, to the great dismay of the most deprived.
Speaking to Hespress FR, a Moroccan consumer shares his concerns: “the Lbitat market stands out as one of the rare commercial spaces where the most modest households can still access essential products at reasonable prices. Prices generally remain low, despite a clear increase in large stores and supermarkets, where prices can be multiplied by four or even five.”.
This blatant difference in price is not only unjustifiable, but it also undermines the purchasing power of citizens, already weakened by current economic pressures.
At the Lbitat market, our interlocutor reiterates, before mentioning that basic necessities, such as meat and fish, remain much more affordable while being of good quality. These characteristics make it a valuable resource for consumers, providing access to food that is both nutritious and economical.
On the merchant side, the grass is not greener. “The prices of basic foodstuffs are rising worryingly, making access to a balanced diet increasingly difficult for families.”, laments one of the merchants approached by Hespress FR.
In detail, he adds: “Currently, onions sell for between 4 and 4.5 dirhams, but are often resold in stages at 6 dirhams. Potatoes range between 5 and 6 dirhams, while peppers, eggplants, carrots and other vegetables reach 8 dirhams. Even tomatoes, although considered an accessible product, now cost between 2 and 3 dirhams”.
In this context, many citizens are suffering. Consumers are plunged into a real economic crisis which is eroding their purchasing power. Many no longer have the means to provide for the basic needs of their families.
Chicken, once a staple food for the most modest households, has become a luxury product at 25 dirhams per kilo. “This increase raises an essential question: how can a person feed a family of 5 or 6 members in such conditions?”, asks our speaker.
And to conclude: “The situation is alarming and calls for urgent measures to protect the most vulnerable consumers and guarantee their access to quality food at affordable prices.”.
An observation shared by his neighbor who reports that “on the market, fluctuations in vegetable prices complicate the daily lives of traders, who try to maintain reasonable margins while remaining accessible to consumers”.
“We buy red pepper at the wholesale market at 6 dirhams per kilo and sell it for 7 dirhams, making a minimal profit. Likewise, eggplant, purchased at 4.5 dirhams, is sold at 6 dirhams, which reflects a margin just sufficient to cover operational costs.s,” he reiterates.
As for cucumber, it experienced a notable increase: its purchase price increased from 4 dirhams to 6 dirhams. We then offer it between 7 and 8 dirhams, trying to limit the impact on consumers while maintaining the viability of our activity.
Aware of the suffering of consumers, our speaker declares that “these modest margins demonstrate our desire to support customers in a context where costs continue to increase. However, this situation also highlights the need to regulate the supply chain to limit unjustified increases and preserve household purchasing power.”.
When it comes to fruits, prices are soaring! “Fruit prices on the market are experiencing a significant increase, reflecting the effects of the persistent drought. Currently, oranges sell for between 7 and 8 dirhams per kilo, while pomegranates range between 8 and 10 dirhams. Clementine, a very popular seasonal fruit, is offered at prices ranging from 6 to 9 dirhams”, informs us a merchant.
These high prices are largely due to the lack of sufficient rain, which has significantly impacted harvests and reduced available supply. If the rainfall had been there, agricultural conditions would have been better, allowing not only more abundant production, but also more accessible prices for consumers.
This situation affects both merchants and buyers: sales are stagnating due to high prices, and customers are struggling to access products that were once essentials in their shopping cart.
“It becomes crucial to put in place water management and support policies for farmers to mitigate the impact of future droughts, guarantee stable harvests and preserve market balance.”, he concludes.
