Minister Mezzour warns price speculators against exploiting floods, Ramadan demand

Morocco’s minister of industry and trade warned on Monday that the government will impose strict penalties on traders who exploit natural disasters and the upcoming month of Ramadan to raise prices, citing recent flooding in Ksar El Kebir as a key concern.

Speaking during a parliamentary question-and-answer session, Industry and Trade Minister Ryad Mezzour said authorities would take firm action against price manipulation, stressing that the government will not tolerate profiteering during periods of crisis or heightened consumption.

“Every year, we carry out exceptional monitoring operations during this sensitive period ahead of Ramadan, when speculation tends to increase alongside higher consumption,” Mezzour told lawmakers.

He said inspection operations since the start of the year have totaled around 30 field visits, with enforcement efforts targeted based on consumption patterns and types of speculative behavior. Mezzour added that supplies of essential goods remain sufficient nationwide.

The minister identified two main challenges affecting markets. The first concerns sardines, noting that fishing activity for the species is set to resume on Feb. 15, which he said should help stabilize prices. The second issue, he said, involves price speculation in flood-affected areas.

“We are dealing very carefully with speculation in regions impacted by flooding in order to combat crisis profiteers,” Mezzour said.

Responding to criticism from lawmakers over price increases during emergencies, the minister said the government’s response has been uncompromising, emphasizing that authorities have intervened directly to ensure the free delivery of goods to affected residents.

Mezzour also stressed that joint monitoring committees are conducting daily inspections ahead of Ramadan, particularly targeting traders suspected of hoarding goods in secret.

In a separate intervention, the minister acknowledged a gradual decline in postal services in urban areas, despite the presence of postal facilities in all local municipalities. He noted that several key public services, including direct social assistance payments, rely on postal networks and said efforts are underway to expand and improve service quality.