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Moroccan government accused of 'evading' parliament amid fuel crisis

Moroccan government accused of 'evading' parliament amid fuel crisis
The price hike is sparking a backlashÌýagainst Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, who owns one of the biggest fuel distribution companies in Morocco, "Afriquia Gaz."
2 min read
05 April, 2022
"The government is evading communication and accountability from Parliament on issues that concern citizens," said a member of PJD. [Getty]

As fuel prices reach unprecedented levels in Morocco, the government led by Prime Minister Aziz AkhannouchÌý³ó²¹²õÌýÌýa planned parliament sessionÌýto discussÌýthe crisis, in turn setting off accusations of "evasion" by opposition parties.

Following a request by the opposition parties, the Moroccan parliament was set to host on Monday the Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development,ÌýLeila Benali, to respond to representatives' inquiries on the current fuel price hikes that haveÌýswept the kingdom.

However, Benali postponed the session indefinitely.

"The government is evading communication and accountability from the parliament on issues that concern citizens, foremost of which is the hike of prices, particularly fuel,"ÌýMustafa Ibrahimi, a member of the Parliamentary Group of the Justice and Development Party (PJD), following the announcement.

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Since February, fuel prices haveÌýgradually increased,ÌýreachingÌýthis week toÌýMAD 14.30 ($1.48) for oneÌýlitre of diesel and MAD 14.16 ($1.46) for gasoline.

Last week, Mustapha Baitass, the government's spokesperson, Ìýthat "[fuel prices] are rising at the international level and the government has stepped in to keep pace with [public transport] workers."

Putin's invasion ofÌýUkraine led to a significant reduction of oil exports from Moscow and Kyiv, causing an international energy crisis amid ever-expanding Western sanctions against Russia and disruptions on traditional supply agreements.

WhileÌýthe Moroccan government Ìýso far to cap fuel prices, it nevertheless had agreed to financial support for public transport workers after they staged a week-longÌýnational strike thatÌýthreatenedÌýto further push the prices of public transports tickets higher.

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Public transport workers now benefit from a monthly subsidy, ranging from MAD 1,800 ($184) to MAD 7,000 ($719), depending on the type of vehicle they are driving. Gas stations have also started lobbying to receive similar support.

The price hike is spawning a growingÌýbacklashÌýagainst Morocco's Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, who owns one of the biggest fuel distribution companies in Morocco, "Afriquia Gaz."

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