RABAT, May 22 – Morocco’s annual inflation rate accelerated to 1.7% in April from 0.9% the previous month as rising fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East pushed transport costs sharply higher.
Data released by the country’s statistics agency showed transport prices climbed 8.4% year-on-year, reflecting the impact of higher global energy prices following the escalation of conflict in the Middle East.
Food prices, a major driver of inflation in Morocco, increased 0.6% compared with a year earlier, while non-food prices rose 2.5%.
The acceleration in consumer prices comes as Morocco faces growing pressure from imported energy costs because of its heavy reliance on foreign oil, gas and coal supplies.
Core inflation, which excludes volatile goods and government-controlled prices, declined 0.3% year-on-year while edging up 0.1% on a monthly basis.
The government has already announced plans to expand fiscal support measures to cushion the impact of rising energy costs on households and businesses.
Authorities intend to add 20 billion dirhams ($2.17 billion) to the 2026 budget to finance subsidy programmes aimed at stabilizing prices for public transport, cooking gas and electricity.
The additional spending reflects broader efforts by governments across Africa and emerging markets to shield consumers from inflation shocks triggered by higher global fuel prices and supply disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict.
Despite external pressures, Morocco continues to project stronger economic growth this year, supported by improved agricultural output following better rainfall conditions after years of drought.
The country is also seeking to reduce its fiscal deficit and stabilize debt levels while balancing rising subsidy costs and social spending pressures.
