Morocco has introduced the hotline 5757 for consumer issues during Ramadan, addressing concerns over food prices and market integrity. The service aims to facilitate reporting of fraud and pricing issues, operates daily, and is backed by government initiatives to monitor food supplies. Amidst rising concerns about traditional price hikes, especially for fish, the hotline seeks to enhance regulatory efforts to protect consumers.
As Ramadan commences, Morocco has launched a national hotline, 5757, dedicated to consumer complaints and observations. The initiative arises amid escalating food prices affecting essential items commonly consumed during Iftar across the country. This unified hotline aims to address concerns regarding market supply, pricing, quality, and consumer product safety during the holy month.
Citizens are encouraged to use this hotline to report issues such as fraud, illegal commercial activities, and unfair competition, prompting necessary action from relevant control authorities. Accessible from both fixed and mobile phones within Morocco, the hotline operates daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with standard landline call charges.
The hotline initiative follows a meeting of the Interministerial Commission for Market Supply and Price Monitoring, held on February 4. As household demand surges during Ramadan, national authorities strive to enhance the availability of vital food products while reinforcing regulatory measures against unlawful practices. Nadia Fettah, the Minister of Economy and Finance, reassured the public of measures taken to ensure product availability, optimal health conditions, and fair pricing.
Despite official guarantees, many Moroccan households remain apprehensive about the customary price hikes that coincide with Ramadan. The markets are abundant with essential goods for preparing traditional Ramadan dishes; however, rising prices, particularly of fish, have sparked consumer concern and calls for tighter controls to prevent price speculation.
A notable pricing incident involved a fishmonger in Marrakech who sold sardines for MAD 5 per kilogram, while coastal cities saw prices ranging from MAD 15 to 20. Experts attribute these discrepancies to excessive intermediaries in the fish supply chain, leading to inflated costs. Changes in fish distribution patterns resulting from climate shifts and fishing regulations have also contributed to reduced sardine availability this Ramadan.
Seasonal vendors, particularly traditional pastry sellers, experience heightened demand during Ramadan, showcasing the month’s dual nature as a time for culinary tradition yet grappling with economic strains. Moroccan markets present a variety of dates at competitive prices, emphasizing local and imported options. The government remains committed to vigilant market monitoring to combat fraud and speculation, safeguarding the purchasing power of its citizens.
In summary, Morocco’s hotline 5757 serves as a vital tool for addressing consumer concerns during Ramadan amidst rising food prices. The government is actively monitoring market conditions to ensure fair pricing and product availability, while simultaneously managing growing public apprehension concerning price hikes. The dual challenges of maintaining cultural traditions during Ramadan while addressing economic challenges continue to shape the consumer experience in Morocco.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
