Moroccan markets are exceedingly well-stocked for the Ramadan holiday, but prices are skyrocketing, making it hard for those on low incomes to prepare a holiday feast.
The price of fruit and vegetables soared sky-high this month in Morocco, in spite of food stocks which strongly exceed the demand for Ramadan supplies, sometimes by a margin of 150%.
Recent heat waves that damaged Morocco's crops are behind the rising prices, according to a source from the Moroccan Association of Producers and Exporters of Fruits & Vegetables. It is the heat waves, not the inflation often associated with the month of Ramadan, which caused food prices to spike, he said.
Skina Jalal, a housewife, did not buy his argument. "This is an opportunity that shopkeepers exploit to boost their profits in a short time," she said. Moroccans tend to shop for luxury items all throughout Ramadan, she said, so this is the optimal time to increase food prices.
"The weather is always hot in Morocco," she said, "but prices are never that high."
Salima N. was frustrated by what she sees as out-of-control prices. "So where are the government promises to maintain citizens' purchasing power?" Salma said, as banners touting free competition hung over the goods for sale.
Potatoes, usually sold for 2 dirhams, are now selling for 4 or 5 dirhams, depending on the district or the part of town. The same thing applies to tomatoes, which are in high demand during Ramadan. Tomato prices jumped from 2 to 6 dirhams.
But there is no shortage of tomatoes. The government estimates that 131,000 tonnes of tomatoes will be available for market-goers. The Ministry of the Interior also expects 31,000 tonnes of meat, in addition to 40,000 tonnes of poultry, to be on offer. The supply stands in contrast with the estimated demand for meat in the month of Ramadan, 33,000 tonnes. In addition, 284 million eggs will be supplied.
And Moroccan markets will have no shortage of milk: Dairy farmers are expected to provide 81 million litres, which should cover 115% of the total demand. The demand for honey will be met by 150%, and the demand for sugar will be similarly covered, at 148%. Markets will have enough wheat to last for another six months, said the minister.
Even so, merchants defended the price hikes. "Prices of some food items rose, even before Ramadan," said a food vendor, who denied that merchants are exploiting the holiday. "Markets are governed by supply and demand, and competition is for everyone. The demand for vegetables and legumes is higher [during Ramadan], and so naturally, their prices increase."
But not everyone can afford these wide fluctuations in prices. Mohamad Bahlal, a civil servant, said that the budget he sets for food is no longer enough. "Prices are twice or three times higher," he said. He blamed authorities in charge of controlling prices for not doing their job.
In a statement released at the start of the month, Minister of the Interior Chekib Benmoussa said the supply of the most popular food items was high, and that prices had declined compared to last year.
Benmoussa also said that thanks to the abundant yield, all goods were expected to be widely available at local markets so as to cover demand during Ramadan without compromising quality. He expected prices to remain reasonable and affordable for everyone.
He also called on authorities to closely monitor prices to ensure smooth flow in markets, and said they should counter any attempt to manipulate the price of products in high demand.
Nevertheless, the stores' abundance of food has puzzled shoppers faced with high prices. "We could have understood it if there was a shortage of some items," said Malika Al Abdi, a housewife. "However, if all the goods are available and abundant, and supply exceeds demand, what's causing the soaring prices?"
By Iman Belhaj for Magharebia in Casablanca
© Magharebia.com 2009
