Moroccan consumers entered November facing another increase in diesel prices and tomatoes selling for more than MAD 12 a kilogram in some markets, as farmers and wholesale traders disputed whether agricultural exports were worsening domestic shortages.
Diesel rose by 50 centimes to one dirham per liter on November 1, approaching MAD 17 at some filling stations. Gasoline prices, by contrast, fell slightly.
The increase adds to distribution costs already cited by vegetable traders as a factor behind higher food prices, although its effect on retail prices has yet to be measured.
At Casablanca’s wholesale market, tomatoes reached MAD 9 per kilogram, according to the latest bulletin from Casablanca Prestations. Retail prices exceeded MAD 12 in some areas.
Abderrazak Chabi, president of the Casablanca Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Traders Association, attributed the increases to declining seasonal production, delayed harvests, unfavorable weather and foreign demand.
Speaking to Hespress on Monday, Chabi called for tomato exports to be suspended or restricted during periods of insufficient domestic supply.
Producers, however, dispute the claim that exports are principally responsible.
Aziz El Maanaoui, president of the Chtouka Agricultural Producers Association, told Hespress last Thursday that disease affecting tomato plants, expensive agricultural inputs and weak yields were the main causes.
He argued that export earnings helped producers offset rising costs and maintain domestic production.
Prices also differ considerably by quality. El Maanaoui reported wholesale prices ranging from MAD 3 for lower-grade tomatoes to MAD 10 for premium produce.
The increases follow broader food inflation recorded in September, when Morocco’s High Commission for Planning reported monthly rises of 4.3% for both vegetables and meat.
Chabi expects tomato prices to ease toward the end of November as new supplies reach markets, leaving consumers facing several more weeks of elevated prices.
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