The prices of olive oil are experiencing a significant increase, exceeding 105 dirhams per liter in certain regions of Morocco. This outbreak has caused great concern among citizens, particularly those whose daily diet relies heavily on olive oil.
Mohamed El Hafidi, owner of an olive press in Kalaat Sraghna, explained in a statement for Le360 that, although this season’s harvest is of very good quality, olive prices vary between 13 and 15 dirhams per kilogram, depending on the variety and harvest region.
He confirmed that the increase in the price of olive oil is due to several factors, including quality gaps between different regions, as well as rising production and transportation costs. He also stressed that the price of olive oil is not uniform, oscillating between 105 and 110 dirhams per liter.
In addition to production costs, other factors contribute to this increase. Climate, in particular, plays a crucial role in olive production. Periods of drought or erratic rainfall can affect the harvest, reducing the supply of olives, leading to higher prices.
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In addition, harvesting the olives and extracting the oil requires significant labor. An increase in wages or a shortage of workers in certain regions can also contribute to increased production costs.
Olive oil is very popular, not only in Morocco, but also internationally. The export of a large part of national production may also play a role in the scarcity of olive oil on the local market, leading to an increase in prices.
Another often overlooked factor is the role of intermediaries in the supply chain. The latter can add substantial margins to the final price of olive oil, which accentuates the surge in prices on the markets.
This price increase has a negative impact on Moroccan consumers. Whereas they were once able to purchase sufficient quantities to cover their daily consumption, they are now forced to halve their purchases due to rising prices.
