Rising Chicken Prices Concern Consumers and Farmers in Morocco

Chicken markets in Morocco have witnessed a notable increase in prices in recent days, with the price per kilogram reaching 24 dirhams in Casablanca markets and up to 26 dirhams in some areas far from the Kenitra-El Jadida axis. This increase has sparked consumer dissatisfaction and increased financial pressure on Moroccan families.

Reasons for the Increase

Experts and consumer protection associations attribute this rise to several factors:

1. Increased production costs: The cost of producing one kilogram of chicken has reached 18 dirhams.
2. Rising chick prices: The price of a chick has reached 14 dirhams, which is reflected in the selling price of chicken.
3. Expensive compound feed: Its price has reached 4.50 dirhams per kilogram.
4. Production manipulation: Continued reduction in production by market-monopolizing hatchery companies to raise prices.

Farmers’ Position

Meat chicken farmers assert that they are not responsible for the price increase, indicating that current prices, despite being high, do not guarantee them a sufficient profit margin to continue investing in the sector. Mohamed Aaboud, president of the National Association of Meat Chicken Farmers, explained that chicken is sold from farms at between 19 and 20 dirhams per kilogram.

Government and Stakeholder Intervention

Consumer associations have called on the government to intervene urgently to control prices by activating Article Four of the Price Freedom and Competition Law. The Competition Council has also decided to open an investigation into the poultry market to examine the competitive situation and study commercial practices that may contribute to price increases.

In light of these developments, Moroccan consumers remain the most affected by rising prices, especially as this increase coincides with a wave of inflation that has included many basic food items. The question remains about the effectiveness of measures to be taken by the government and concerned parties to control prices and protect citizens’ purchasing power.