Morocco freezes butane and electricity prices amid global energy price rises

RABAT — Morocco will keep the price of the butane gas bottle unchanged, maintain electricity tariffs at current levels, and begin disbursing exceptional direct payments to professional transport operators following a surge in international energy prices linked to Middle East tensions.

Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch chaired the first meeting of a new ministerial committee in Rabat on Monday. Ministers reviewed the potential effects of the geopolitical crisis on the national economy and discussed measures to shield households and key sectors from rising costs.

In an official communiqué issued after the meeting, the government confirmed that butane prices on the international market have risen by more than 68 percent since the crisis began in early March. Despite this spike, the state will continue its subsidy support “without affecting the current price of the butane gas bottle.” Electricity subsidies will also remain in place “to maintain the same tariff.”

The government further announced the immediate launch of “direct and exceptional support” to professional transport operators to help offset higher domestic fuel costs. The aid package covers the period from March 15 to April 15 and follows the review of more than 87,000 applications submitted via the Transport Ministry’s online platform.

Eligible sectors include public passenger transport, rural mixed transport, freight haulage for hire, staff transport, school transport, tourist transport, towing vehicles, first- and second-category taxis and urban buses.

The measure is designed to ensure markets remain “supplied in a normal and regular manner” and that public transport services continue “at the same fare and without any increase” for citizens. Operators receiving the aid will be required to maintain current prices for both passengers and goods.

The initiative revives a support model first introduced by the government in 2022 during an earlier period of fuel price volatility.

The ministerial committee will meet regularly — or as needed — to track international developments and implement further protective measures if required.

The decisions reflect Rabat’s determination to protect Moroccan households and the wider economy from external shocks while preserving price stability on essential goods and services.