Moroccans struggle to afford basic needs as the cost of living rises

It has become more and more difficult for Moroccans to purchase from this vegetable and fruit stand in Sale.

Many citizens of the nation are finding themselves priced out of certain things, including food, as inflation keeps rising.

If we look at the market prices for vegetables, we will see that they are still too high and that most people cannot afford to buy. Previously, a week’s worth of vegetables could be purchased for 100 Moroccan dirhams (about 10 euros, editor’s note). Now, even 300 dirhams, or about 30 euros, is insufficient. That represents a nearly 200% increase in the population’s purchasing power “said retired man Abdessalam el-Mahdaoui.

According to a government report, inflation increased from 6.6% in December to 8.9% in January.

First and foremost, since people frequently use flour, sugar, and oil, we must reduce the cost of these essentials “said housewife Khadija el-Asri.

The conflict in Ukraine has had a negative effect on Morocco’s economy, as well as the economies of the rest of the world, as commodity prices have increased, especially for food and energy.

Last year’s protests forced the government to increase social protection. But the unhappiness endures.

The country’s Central Bank anticipated that inflation would decrease from its peak of 6.6% in 2018 to 3.9% in 2023.