The Moroccan government has increased financial assistance for road transport professionals to help mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs. The Ministry of Transport and Logistics announced that the exceptional direct aid for professionals transporting passengers and goods has been raised. This decision follows the government's move to continue providing support to the road transport sector while adjusting aid to reflect higher hydrocarbon costs.
Applications for the latest tranche of aid opened on September 24 through the ministry's electronic platform, Mouakaba. Payments for the new tranche are set to begin next week. The increase in aid comes after fuel distributors raised pump prices late Wednesday. Gasoil prices rose by MAD 0.80 per liter, while super gasoline increased by MAD 0.39. This adjustment brought indicative gasoil prices to around MAD 15.81 per liter and super gasoline to approximately MAD 15.33 per liter.
The latest fuel price increase represents a sharper adjustment for gasoil than the revision recorded at the beginning of September. At that time, gasoil prices rose by about MAD 0.06 per liter, while gasoline prices remained unchanged. The government is seeking to preserve the regular supply of goods to markets and maintain current public transport fares without passing higher fuel costs on to citizens.
On Wednesday, outgoing Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch chaired a meeting in Rabat of the ministerial committee tasked with monitoring the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on Morocco's economy. The committee agreed to continue the exceptional direct support and adjust its value in line with rising international hydrocarbon prices.
The committee also reported normal supplies of energy, agricultural products, and basic goods. Morocco is holding strategic reserves of butane gas and diesel sufficient for between 40 and 60 days. The renewed support targets professionals operating in passenger and freight road transport and seeks to manage the impact of higher fuel costs on their operations.
The exceptional assistance was first introduced last March to help road transport professionals cope with rising fuel costs. The government's measure aims to shield citizens from the effects of higher fuel prices by maintaining stable public transport fares. Morocco's economy continues to face challenges due to geopolitical tensions and international energy market pressures.
The increased aid for road transport professionals is part of the government's efforts to mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs on the sector. The move is expected to help maintain the regular supply of goods and services while protecting citizens from higher fuel costs. The government will continue to monitor the situation and adjust its support measures as needed.
Key points
- Morocco raises financial aid for road transport professionals to offset rising fuel costs.
- The government aims to maintain stable public transport fares and preserve the regular supply of goods to markets.
- The exceptional assistance targets professionals operating in passenger and freight road transport.
