Moroccan olive oil brands in a supermarket aisle in Casablanca. Credit: Desk
Because of its high price and persistent droughts threatening olive oil cultivation, olive oil is at risk of disappearing from Moroccan tables by the end of the year.
The price of olive oil has recently reached record highs. As the olive harvest season approaches, olive oil prices are expected to increase significantly due to the drop in production caused by the current drought and its negative impact on crops in production areas expanded in recent years by the Green Morocco plan from 680,000 to 1.25 million hectares.
In 2023, Morocco restricted the export of olive oil to stabilize consumer prices. A measure that is in place until 31 December 2024.
However, in the past two years, the price of a litre of olive oil has reached 100 dirhams (DH), even in the main producing areas, whereas previously it ranged from 30 to 50 DH. The resulting drop in yields and increase in prices per litre are seriously affecting the sector which employs around 200,000 people and represents two thirds of the tree agriculture sector in Morocco.
The price of a litre has reached 120 DH in some areas, causing a wave of discontent among consumers, while it may rise to 150 DH per litre early next year.
The Moroccan Interprofessional Olive Federation has called for dialogue with the Ministry of Equipment and Water for immediate measures beyond subsidies for nitrogen fertilizers, including the possibility of better access to drinking water.
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