As Ramadan begins, Morocco activates the hotline 5757 for consumer complaints regarding food prices and market issues. This initiative addresses concerns about rising prices of essential items for Iftar. The hotline allows citizens to report fraud and illegal practices while the government monitors food supply and market conditions closely during the holy month.
As Ramadan commences, Morocco has launched the national hotline 5757 for consumer complaints and observations during this holy month. This initiative addresses concerns about rising food prices, which significantly impact essential Iftar items. The hotline aims to receive reports on market supply, pricing, quality, and safety of consumer products, allowing citizens to raise issues affecting their access to necessities.
Additionally, the 5757 hotline enables residents to report fraud, illegal commercial practices, and unfair competition. Consumers across Morocco can reach this service by dialing from any fixed or mobile phone on national telecommunications networks. The service operates daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. throughout Ramadan, with standard local call rates applying.
This initiative results from decisions taken during the Interministerial Commission for Market Supply and Price Monitoring meeting on February 4, aiming to ensure consistent food supply during the high-demand Ramadan period. Authorities are strengthening market control mechanisms to protect consumers from illegal practices while securing a reliable supply of essential food products.
Minister of Economy and Finance, Nadia Fettah, assured that the government has adopted various measures to ensure product availability and optimal health conditions for consumers, adapting prices to reflect their purchasing power. Despite these reassurances, many Moroccan households express concern over the customary price increases that occur during Ramadan.
In local markets, staples such as dried fruits, dates, and nuts are widely available, yet consumers are troubled by rising prices. A notable case involves sardine prices, where a Marrakech fishmonger controversially sells them at MAD 5 per kilogram, compared to MAD 15-20 in larger cities like Casablanca and Rabat. This discrepancy has sparked discussions about intermediaries in the fish supply chain in Morocco.
Experts attribute sardine price volatility to climate changes affecting fish distributions and overfishing leading to depleted stocks. A mandated fishing rest period in southern fisheries throughout January and February has further complicated supply dynamics. Though economic challenges are present, Ramadan also provides traditional businesses with opportunities to flourish, particularly in pastry sales and the marketing of dates.
Ramadan symbolizes a special time for Moroccans, emblematic of balancing culinary traditions against economic difficulties. The government remains committed to vigilant market monitoring to combat fraud and speculation, thereby safeguarding citizens’ purchasing power throughout this significant period.
The implementation of the hotline 5757 epitomizes Morocco’s efforts to address consumer concerns about food prices during Ramadan. In light of traditional price increases, the government is working to ensure a consistent supply of essential commodities while monitoring market practices closely. This Ramadan represents both a profound cultural observance and a test of economic resilience for Moroccan households, ultimately reinforcing commitments to uphold consumer rights and prevent exploitation in the marketplace.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
