Fuel distributors across Morocco are implementing new lower pump prices starting on Monday, November 16, Hespress English reported. These adjustments follow the sector's standard bi-weekly schedule, which aligns local costs with international market shifts. While the effective date is fixed, the specific reduction amounts differ among operators, meaning consumers will see varied price changes depending on their location and the station's inventory status.
According to industry sources cited by the publication, two major distributors plan to cut diesel by 0.20 Moroccan dirhams per liter and gasoline by 0.50 dirhams. A third operator is expected to reduce diesel by 0.29 dirhams and gasoline by 0.61 dirhams. These cuts reverse earlier increases that pushed costs above 17 dirhams per liter, a rise that had triggered public concern regarding inflation and industrial production expenses.
The transition to lower prices will not occur uniformly. Hespress English noted that stations must first sell through existing stocks purchased at higher rates. "The implementation will be gradual," an industry source explained, emphasizing that timing depends on individual station inventories. This staggered rollout ensures that distributors do not incur immediate losses on fuel already acquired.
These market adjustments coincide with political discussions about the fuel sector's taxation. Lawmakers have debated a 40% corporate tax rate for fuel firms, with some members urging safeguards against price hikes for consumers. During a session on the 2027 Finance Bill, Finance Minister Fouzi Lekjaa clarified that pump prices reflect international markets, taxes, and operating costs. He also confirmed the government is reviewing profit margins and considering capping them.
Global oil prices have fallen significantly, supporting the domestic reductions. Brent crude settled at $95.84 a barrel on Friday, marking a second weekly decline of roughly 2.5%. This follows a 16% drop the previous week after prices briefly neared $118. Analysts attribute the slump to increased OPEC+ output, rising U.S. inventories, and eased geopolitical tensions. U.S. crude closed at $88.56 a barrel, while American stockpiles grew by 4.7 million barrels to 414.4 million barrels.