Morocco has launched the 5757 hotline for Ramadan, enabling consumers to report issues related to food pricing, quality, and illegal market practices. This initiative comes amid concerns over rising prices for essential items during Ramadan. Authorities are intensifying market monitoring to protect consumers, especially regarding the controversy surrounding fish pricing.
As Ramadan begins, Morocco has established the national hotline 5757 to address consumer complaints and observations throughout this sacred month. This initiative is in response to growing concerns over food price surges, particularly for essential items commonly found on Iftar tables. The hotline will facilitate reporting on issues related to market supply, pricing, and product safety during Ramadan.
The 5757 hotline is operational for citizens across Morocco to report complaints about food quality and illegal market practices. Calls can be made from both landlines and mobile phones, connecting users directly to consumer complaint handling units in various regions. Offering services daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., calls to this hotline incur standard landline charges, ensuring accessibility for all.
This initiative aligns with measures taken after the Interministerial Commission for Market Supply and Price Monitoring convened in February, aiming to assure the regular supply of essential food products during high-demand periods like Ramadan. Authorities are enhancing monitoring efforts to protect consumers from illicit trade practices.
Despite government efforts to ensure food availability and stable prices, many Moroccan households are concerned about the traditional price hikes associated with Ramadan. While markets abound with staple products such as fruits, dates, and grains, rising prices have instigated calls for intensified regulatory measures to mitigate speculation.
In addition, a significant controversy has erupted regarding sardine prices, reflecting serious disparities in the fish supply chain. A Marrakech fishmonger, Abdelilah El Jabouni, famously sold sardines for MAD 5 per kilogram, contrasting starkly with prices of MAD 15 to 20 in cities like Casablanca. This discrepancy has raised questions about the influence of intermediaries on pricing and availability.
Several factors are currently impacting sardine supply, including climate change and overfishing. The implementation of a biological rest period in southern fisheries has further delayed the return of abundant fish stocks to market. Meanwhile, Ramadan presents opportunities for seasonal vendors, especially those selling traditional pastries and dates, contributing to culinary traditions during this holy month.
The Moroccan government affirms its commitment to rigorously monitoring markets to combat fraud and price gouging, ensuring the protection of citizens’ purchasing power during Ramadan. This period stands not only as a time for religious observance but as an intricate balance between tradition and economic realities.
The activation of hotline 5757 showcases Morocco’s proactive approach to addressing consumer concerns during Ramadan, with an emphasis on maintaining market standards and protecting citizens from illegal practices. Despite efforts to stabilize prices and supply, challenges persist, particularly with traditional price increases and issues surrounding sardine availability. The government remains dedicated to safeguarding the public interest and ensuring that the holy month is observed with respect to both tradition and economic stability.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
