Morocco’s national markets maintain sufficient stocks of essential consumer goods as continuous preparations advance to support the particular circumstances of Ramadan, Industry and Commerce Minister Ryad Mezzour told the parliament. His statement comes amid heightened scrutiny of supply chain resilience during the holy month’s characteristically elevated consumption period.
Speaking at the Parliament question time on “supply regularity and market stability before and during Ramadan,” Mezzour outlined an exceptional annual operation designed to monitor and control this special period, marked by notable consumption increases for certain products and resurgence of speculative practices subject to permanent monitoring.
The minister reported that inspection operations during January reached approximately 30,000—a level consistent with last year’s monthly average, which totaled 365,000 control visits throughout the year. These operations are strategically oriented according to consumption patterns and observed speculative practices, he noted.
However, Mezzour acknowledged certain challenges concerning sardines, for which necessary measures have been implemented. The upcoming sardine fishing season launch on February 15 should positively impact market conditions, he indicated.
Competent services continue interventions addressing specific problems identified across multiple provinces, plus constraints particular to flood-affected areas, the minister emphasized. He stressed the daily nature of field control operations conducted by mixed commissions as part of firm action against clandestine stockpiling and speculation practices.
The government’s proactive stance reflects sensitivity to Ramadan’s economic significance. The holy month traditionally witnesses consumption spikes for specific food categories, creating opportunities for price manipulation that authorities actively combat through intensified monitoring. Mezzour’s parliamentary assurance aims to preempt public concern while demonstrating governmental responsiveness to market dynamics.
With inspection teams deployed nationwide and sector-specific measures targeting identified vulnerabilities, Morocco’s approach combines preventive monitoring with reactive intervention. The strategy seeks to balance market freedom with consumer protection during a period when both religious observance and economic activity intersect, requiring careful governmental oversight to maintain equilibrium between supply, demand, and pricing stability.
