Morocco, heavily reliant on imports for its energy needs, currently has enough diesel and petrol to last 51 and 55 days respectively, the energy ministry said on Thursday.
- Morocco has enough diesel and petrol reserves to last 51 and 55 days, with coal and gas supplies secured through June.
- International tensions and the lack of domestic refining capacity have contributed to high fuel prices, which increased by about 30% after recent regional conflicts.
- The government removed diesel subsidies in 2014 but reintroduced targeted support for professional transporters to stabilize prices.
- Since the closure of Morocco’s only refinery in 2015, the country relies entirely on fuel imports, diversifying sources mainly from Europe and the U.S.
Coal and gas supplies have also been secured through the end of June. The country faces particular pressure from the ongoing Middle East conflict, which has driven international crude prices to record monthly gains in March, and Morocco has no domestic refining capacity.
Fuel stations raised diesel and petrol prices by around 30% after U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran at the end of February heightened tensions across the region, according to a Reuters report.
While the Moroccan government removed diesel subsidies in 2014, it has reintroduced support for professional transporters, including taxis, buses, and trucks, to stabilise prices.
Reliance on Imports and Diversification Efforts
Since 2015, Morocco has relied entirely on imports for diesel and petrol after its sole refinery shut down due to unpaid debts and entered liquidation. The energy ministry said that policies to diversify supply sources, notably from Europe and the U.S., have helped mitigate the impact.
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Coal, which accounts for about 60% of Morocco’s electricity production, along with gas and renewable sources, remains secured for the near term. Coal and gas supplies are guaranteed through June, with tenders planned in mid-April for third-quarter needs.
Gas consumption fell 11% in Q1, helped by higher hydroelectric output following heavy rainfall. Most of Morocco’s gas is imported from Spanish LNG terminals via a pipeline that formerly carried Algerian gas.
While subsidies provide some relief, petroleum imports, storage, and distribution are largely market-driven, limiting government control over prices. The 2026 budget was based on $60 per barrel of oil, far below the Brent crude price of around $108 on Thursday.
Morocco could access a $4.5 billion IMF flexible credit line if prices exceed $120 per barrel. Energy imports declined 5% to $11.5 billion in 2025, reflecting efforts to manage costs amid a volatile global energy landscape.
