Morocco's Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, has stated that the country's fuel reserves are sufficient to last between 40 and 60 days. This announcement comes amidst rising tensions in the Middle East and ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which have contributed to global uncertainty in the energy market. Benali made the statement following a meeting of the ministerial committee tasked with monitoring the impact of geopolitical tensions on the national economy.

The ministerial committee, led by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, aims to ensure a stable supply of fuel to the Moroccan market. Benali emphasized that the committee and sector stakeholders closely monitor the country's fuel reserves on a daily basis. This attention to detail is crucial in maintaining a steady supply of fuel, which is essential for the country's economic activities.

Despite Benali's reassurances, fuel prices in Morocco have continued to rise. As of October 1, the price of diesel has exceeded 16 dirhams per liter, marking a significant increase since mid-July 2026. This upward trend in fuel prices is largely attributed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Middle East conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war, which have driven global oil prices close to $100 per barrel.

The rising fuel prices have prompted the Moroccan government to continue providing direct and exceptional support to road transport operators for goods and people. This support aims to maintain stable transport prices and, by extension, keep the costs of essential goods and services in check. The government's intervention is crucial in mitigating the impact of global energy market fluctuations on the country's economy.

In addition to energy market concerns, Morocco is set to host the 17th edition of the "BMCE Marathon of Casablanca" on October 25, 2026. The event is expected to attract around 15,000 participants, including 12,000 runners in the half-marathon and 2,200 in the full marathon. This event highlights the country's continued focus on promoting sports and physical activity.

In other news, the "Tamwilcom" institution has reported a significant increase in financing operations during the first six months of 2026. The institution provided a total of 14.7 billion dirhams in financing, with small and medium-sized enterprises accounting for the majority of the beneficiaries. This development underscores the importance of supporting businesses in Morocco, particularly in the current economic climate.

The appointment of Fatima Zahra Mansouri as the head of the Moroccan government has been welcomed by various women's rights activists and politicians. They hope that she will prioritize addressing the country's economic challenges and promoting gender equality. Mansouri's appointment marks a significant milestone in Morocco's history, as she becomes the first woman to hold the position.

Key points

  • Morocco's fuel reserves are sufficient to last 40-60 days, according to Energy Minister Leila Benali.
  • The country's fuel prices have continued to rise due to global uncertainty in the energy market.
  • Morocco's government is providing support to road transport operators to maintain stable transport prices.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.