Morocco is preparing for a new surge in butane gas prices. From January 1, the price of 12 kg gas cylinders could rise by 10 dirhams, from 50 to 60 dirhams. This increase is part of a plan to gradually eliminate subsidies on butane gas, approved by the Moroccan government.
This plan, which aims to finance an ambitious social protection project, provides for annual increases of 10 dirhams until reaching 70 dirhams in 2026. Small 3 kg canisters are not spared and should also undergo a similar increase, after a first increase of 2.5 dirhams last May.
The Ministry of Economy and Finance justifies this measure by the need to guarantee the balance of public finances and to finance health coverage for millions of Moroccan families. The funds released by the reduction in subsidies would be entirely dedicated to strengthening health and education services.
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-This new increase worries many Moroccan households, already faced with a general increase in the cost of living. The use of butane gas being very widespread in the country, particularly for cooking, this measure risks weighing heavily on the budgets of the most modest households.
If the government is determined to continue its plan, some observers do not rule out a possible postponement of this increase, as has already been the case in the past. Such a postponement would undoubtedly calm tempers, but would only push back the deadline for a price increase that is now inevitable.
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