Amid a geopolitical context marked by heightened tensions in the Middle East, Morocco is stepping up efforts to secure its energy supply and limit the impact of international fluctuations on its economy and citizens’ purchasing power.
Addressing parliamentarians last Monday, Leila Benali set the scene. For the Minister of Energy Transition, the current situation—considered one of the most critical since the major oil crises of 1973 and 1979—is directly affecting global energy markets.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil transits, remains a strategic chokepoint, with any disruption having immediate repercussions on prices and supply chains. As a result, the impact of these disruptions has been clearly reflected in prices. To preserve citizens’ purchasing power, the government has decided to mobilize a financial package of MAD 1.6 billion by implementing a number of support measures.
Regarding mechanisms for monitoring the pass-through of international petroleum price fluctuations to the domestic market, the Competition Council has strengthened its oversight tools. The objective, she noted, is to ensure market transparency, safeguard fair competition, and protect consumers from unjustified price increases.
With regard to storage, Leila Benali stated that the approach adopted during climate-related disruptions has been maintained. No shortages or supply disruptions have been recorded in the national market. A monitoring unit has been activated within her ministry. The minister sought to reassure by stating that supplies for the next three months are secured. Efforts are ongoing to guarantee imports through to the end of the year, notably through the diversification of supply sources, particularly from the United States and other European countries.
The same applies to electricity supply. Stock levels and quantities secured through coal and natural gas contracts are sufficient to cover needs until next June. New tenders were launched in April to meet demand for the remainder of the year.
As for storage capacity, it exceeds 80 days for certain petroleum products such as diesel and gasoline. However, it still needs to be strengthened for some products, particularly kerosene and butane gas. In fact, one-third of investments in this sector in 2026 will be allocated to expanding storage capacity for these two products.
To increase stock levels and accelerate the commissioning of infrastructure, a five-year plan has been developed for the first time. This plan identifies the storage capacity needs to be developed in order to meet regulatory requirements and support growing demand for petroleum products.
Mohamed Chaoui