Record High Chicken Prices in Morocco Raise Concerns Among Consumers and Producers

Poultry markets in Morocco have witnessed a sharp increase in prices in recent days, with the price of a kilogram of chicken reaching record levels between 24 and 26 dirhams in retail markets, while the wholesale price hit 21 dirhams. This significant price hike has sparked a wave of concern and discontent among Moroccan consumers, especially as it comes amid difficult economic conditions faced by many families.

Industry professionals and experts in the poultry sector have attributed this continuous increase to several key factors:

1. Increased cost of chicks, with the price of a single chick rising from 4 dirhams to 14 dirhams.
2. Rising prices of compound feed, which reached 4.50 dirhams per kilogram.
3. The impact of weather conditions, including lower temperatures, on production costs.
4. Increased prices of raw materials in global markets and the impact of global logistical crises.

This situation has prompted many consumers to launch boycott campaigns under slogans such as “Let it crow” and “Let it rot,” in an attempt to pressure traders and the government to lower prices. The price surge has also raised concerns from the Moroccan Organization for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption, which warned of serious social and economic repercussions if the situation persists.

For their part, poultry farmers have emphasized that they are not solely responsible for this increase, pointing out that current prices, despite being high, do not guarantee them a sufficient profit margin to continue investing in the sector. Said Janah, a member of the National Association of Poultry Farmers, called for intervention from relevant authorities to regulate the market and ease the burden on consumers.

In response to this crisis, the Moroccan Competition Council announced the opening of an official investigation into pricing and trading practices within the poultry feed sector and related markets. Consumer protection associations have also called on the government to urgently intervene to control prices by activating Article Four of the Law on Freedom of Prices and Competition.

In light of these developments, the Moroccan citizen remains the weakest link, facing increasing pressure on their purchasing power. With prices continuing to rise, there are growing fears of deteriorating social and economic conditions in the country, necessitating more effective and comprehensive government measures to address the root causes of the problem and protect the most affected groups.