Rabat - On Monday, Fouzi Lekjaa, the Minister Delegate for Budget, reassured the House of Representatives that the government does not plan to raise the price of butane gas.
Responding to a question from the Socialist Union opposition team about the impact of increasing gas prices in Morocco, Lekjaa clarified that the government allocates over MAD 15 billion ($1.5 billion) annually to support butane gas consumption.
The main purpose of this support is to assist the most vulnerable in the country and reduce their financial burden, although many MPs argue it is not enough to fully address the challenges faced by these groups.
While these efforts remain commendable, they are insufficient, particularly with the impact of rising inflation.
Small business owners, such as those running mehlabat (neighborhood shops or dairies offering breakfast items and snacks), now face increasing difficulties.
With the soaring cost of gas, they are forced to spend much of their own money on essential items like gas to prepare staples such as harcha and msemen. What were once affordable products now generate little to no profit, as rising expenses consume their earnings and more.
Lekjaa noted that the poorest 20% of the population, who are most in need of this support, only receive 14% of the allocated funds.
In contrast, the wealthiest 20% benefit from 27%, nearly double what the poorest segments receive.
The minister argued that the real problem lies not in the amount of support, but in how it is distributed, urging the government and parliament to find better ways to ensure that aid reaches those who truly need it.
Rather than focusing on adjusting the level of support, Lekjaa underlined the need for more effective mechanisms to ensure that only the poorest benefit.
He also pointed to direct cash transfers to vulnerable groups as the most appropriate solution.
“These groups deserve the support, along with the financial resources that can be saved through more efficient management of subsidies,” he said.
Responding to a question from the Socialist Union opposition team about the impact of increasing gas prices in Morocco, Lekjaa clarified that the government allocates over MAD 15 billion ($1.5 billion) annually to support butane gas consumption.
The main purpose of this support is to assist the most vulnerable in the country and reduce their financial burden, although many MPs argue it is not enough to fully address the challenges faced by these groups.
While these efforts remain commendable, they are insufficient, particularly with the impact of rising inflation.
Small business owners, such as those running mehlabat (neighborhood shops or dairies offering breakfast items and snacks), now face increasing difficulties.
With the soaring cost of gas, they are forced to spend much of their own money on essential items like gas to prepare staples such as harcha and msemen. What were once affordable products now generate little to no profit, as rising expenses consume their earnings and more.
Lekjaa noted that the poorest 20% of the population, who are most in need of this support, only receive 14% of the allocated funds.
In contrast, the wealthiest 20% benefit from 27%, nearly double what the poorest segments receive.
The minister argued that the real problem lies not in the amount of support, but in how it is distributed, urging the government and parliament to find better ways to ensure that aid reaches those who truly need it.
Rather than focusing on adjusting the level of support, Lekjaa underlined the need for more effective mechanisms to ensure that only the poorest benefit.
He also pointed to direct cash transfers to vulnerable groups as the most appropriate solution.
“These groups deserve the support, along with the financial resources that can be saved through more efficient management of subsidies,” he said.
