A significant majority of Moroccans are feeling the financial strain of rising gas prices, with 62% of citizens reporting that they can no longer afford the cost of gas bottles, according to a recent survey by research firm “Sunergia.”
The price hike has impacted not only urban areas but also rural communities, where dependence on butane gas is particularly pronounced.
The survey also revealed that 48% of respondents find the new gas prices “completely unmanageable.” The sentiment is even stronger in rural areas, where 71% of residents have expressed that the price increase is unbearable.
In May, the Moroccan government partially lifted subsidies on cooking gas bottles, causing the price of a 12-kilogram unit to rise from MAD 40 ($4) to MAD 50 ($5).
The measure is part of Morocco’s broader strategy to optimize government expenditures, with the state redirecting subsidies as direct aid to needy families.
The financial burden disproportionately affects lower socio-economic classes, with a staggering 90% of individuals in these groups struggling with the higher costs.
However, not everyone is feeling the same burden. The survey indicated that 28% of Moroccans still find the new prices bearable, with only 10% considering them highly manageable.
The individuals are more likely to be men, urban dwellers, and those from higher socio-economic backgrounds.
In response to the rising costs, 40% of Moroccans have taken steps to reduce their gas consumption.
This shift is most noticeable among younger people aged 18 to 24 and those in lower socio-economic segments, where over half have cut back on their gas usage.
However, 56% of the population have not altered their consumption habits, with resistance to change being more common among people aged 25 to 34 and 45 to 64.
The survey also highlighted a concerning lack of awareness about potential future price increases.
While 54% of Moroccans are aware of the possibility of further hikes in the coming years, a significant 46% remain uninformed.
Awareness is notably higher among men, older individuals aged 35 to 64, residents of southern Morocco, and those in higher socio-economic classes. Conversely, women, young adults, and seniors aged 65 and above are less likely to be aware of potential future increases.