Butane gas weighs heavily on the state budget, more than 15 MMDH per year, according to Lekjaa

While the government is continuing the reform of compensation systemthe gaz butane There remains a major expense position for public finances. In response to a parliamentary question, the Minister Delegate for Budget unveiled the magnitude of the invoice and detailed the mechanisms put in place to amortize its impact on Vulnerable households.

In a written response addressed to the parliamentary group of theNational Labor Union in Morocco (UNTM), Fouzi Lekjaa emphasizes that the increase in the price of cylinders of 3 kg and 12 kg – respectively 2.5 and 10 dirhams – was only applied after the implementation of the direct social assistance program, launched in December 2023. A transition period of more than four months was respected in order to minimize effects on modest households.

An impact contained thanks to the targeted help

The figures of High Commission for Planning Confirm a limited impact of this increase in homes in precarious situations. The increase in monthly charges does not exceed 18 dirhams, just 3.6 % of minimum monthly assistance (500 dirhams) paid as part of the new direct support system.

This direct aid mechanism marked a turning point in the government’s redistribution policy. Thus, in 2024, an envelope of 25 billion dirhams was mobilized to support 3.9 million families. The amounts granted vary from 500 to more than 1,500 dirhams per month, depending on the situation of each home. The objective is clear: replace a generalized subsidy system, deemed ineffective and expensive, with a more equitable and targeted device.

In parallel, recalls Lekjaa, the executive acts on other fronts to contain l’inflationespecially in the agricultural sector. An overall budget of 20 billion dirhams was allocated to agricultural campaigns 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. An emergency plan is also scheduled for the 2024-2025 season to guarantee regular supply at affordable prices.

Among the measures adopted: exemption from VAT and suspension of customs duties on the import of living animals (cattle, sheep, goats, camelids), certain red meats, brown rice and olive oil. Support for barley, composed foods and fertilizers has also been maintained to strengthen food security.

The manager also noted that all of these initiatives are part of a vision of budgetary equity and social resilience. Faced with a still fragile economic context, the government relies on intelligent targeting of aid and stability of the sectors to preserve the purchasing power of citizens.