Morocco’s Energy Transition Ministry maintains national petroleum product supply remains stable and controlled despite exceptional weather conditions slowing port unloading operations, though industry professionals express growing concerns about reduced deliveries, particularly to stations outside major cities. Energy Minister Leila Benali emphasized national stocks exceeding 617,000 tons provide sufficient coverage at this stage.
Exceptional weather conditions disrupting port activity for several weeks have directly impacted unloading operations for energy product-carrying vessels. Logistical constraints related to sea conditions and weather hazards caused cargo processing delays without compromising overall national market supply balance, according to ministry assurances.
The department mobilized all public and private actors through what it termed an “anticipative and coordinated approach” guaranteeing supply regularity and overcoming cargo unloading delay constraints. Ministry services closely monitor national stock evolution and awaiting vessel situations in permanent coordination with professionals.
The ministry reports several vessels carrying over one million additional tons of petroleum products currently awaiting unloading once weather conditions improve, reinforcing available stock levels. Preventive measures include inventorying temporarily closed distribution installations and stations in flood-affected zones—closures reflecting precautionary logic ensuring personal safety and environmental protection pending resumed operation conditions.
Daily coordination with hydrocarbon sector actors, local authorities, and professionals operates alongside a monitoring cell tracking situation evolution. The system ensures National Energy and Mines Laboratory continuity facilitating quality control and accompanying unloading operation resumption when weather permits.
However, despite reassuring official messages, several questioned professionals expressed limited confidence in actual port operation rhythms and circuit capacity to sustainably absorb delays. Sources indicate approximately 20 days have elapsed without petroleum tankers docking at concerned ports, notably Mohammedia and Jorf Lasfar. Operators estimate situations could become critical if weather continues impeding docking maneuvers and unloading operations, with kerosene crystallizing particular concerns.
Service station professionals report delivered quantities reduced by half, indicating distribution tightening in certain zones with tension more marked in stations outside major cities.
